Many learners struggle when they see words like rebuild, redo, or return. They know the root word, but the prefix re- makes the meaning unclear. This confusion often causes problems in reading, writing, and even test preparation. This blog post clearly explains the meaning and usage of the words with the prefix of re- with examples, word lists, and practice sentences that will help you gain confidence.
Table of Contents
Meaning and Function of the Prefix re-
The prefix re- comes from Latin and is one of the most common prefixes in English. It has two main functions:
- Again – showing repetition or doing something once more (e.g., rewrite = write again).
- Back – showing return or backward action (e.g., retreat = move back).
List of Common Words with the Prefix re-
The prefix re- is very productive in English. Below is a detailed list of words with prefix of re:
- Reabsorb
- Reacquire
- React
- Reaction
- Reactive
- Readjust
- Reaffirm
- Reallocate
- Reappear
- Reapply
- Reappoint
- Reapproach
- Reapprove
- Reassemble
- Reassess
- Reassign
- Reassure
- Reattach
- Reawaken
- Rebalance
- Rebuild
- Rebut
- Recall
- Recapture
- Recast
- Recede
- Receive
- Reception
- Recess
- Recheck
- Reclaim
- Reclassify
- Recognize
- Recollect
- Recommend
- Recommit
- Recompense
- Reconcile
- Reconnect
- Reconsider
- Reconstruct
- Record
- Recount
- Recover
- Recreate
- Recruit
- Rectify
- Recure
- Redefine
- Redesign
- Redirect
- Rediscover
- Reduce
- Reeducate
- Reelect
- Reemerge
- Reenact
- Reengage
- Reenter
- Reevaluate
- Reexamine
- Reexplain
- Refer
- Referee
- Reference
- Reflect
- Reform
- Refrain
- Refresh
- Refuel
- Refurbish
- Refuse
- Regain
- Regard
- Regenerate
- Regift
- Register
- Regrow
- Rehabilitate
- Rehearse
- Rehire
- Reignite
- Reimagine
- Reimburse
- Reinforce
- Reinstall
- Reinstate
- Reintegrate
- Reintroduce
- Reinvent
- Reinvest
- Reiterate
- Reject
- Rejoin
- Rejuvenate
- Rekindle
- Relapse
- Relate
- Relation
- Relax
- Release
- Relent
- Relieve
- Relink
- Relive
- Reload
- Relocate
- Rely
- Remake
- Remark
- Remember
- Remind
- Remodel
- Remove
- Render
- Renew
- Renovate
- Renturn
- Repair
- Repaint
- Replace
- Replay
- Replenish
- Reply
- Report
- Represent
- Reprint
- Reproduce
- Reprogram
- Request
- Require
- Requisition
- Reread
- Rerun
- Reschedule
- Rescue
- Research
- Resell
- Resend
- Reset
- Resettle
- Reshape
- Resign
- Resist
- Resolve
- Resonance
- Respect
- Respond
- Restart
- Restate
- Restore
- Restructure
- Result
- Resume
- Resupply
- Retake
- Retell
- Retest
- Retire
- Retouch
- Retrace
- Retreat
- Retrieve
- Return
- Reunify
- Reunite
- Reuse
- Reveal
- Revenge
- Revert
- Review
- Revise
- Revisit
- Revive
- Revolt
- Revolve
- Reward
- Rewind
- Rewrite
Words with Prefix re- (Meaning “Again”)
Here are common words where re- means again:
- Reapply
- Rebuild
- Recheck
- Recreate
- Redo
- Reenter
- Reexamine
- Refill
- Reheat
- Rejoin
- Relearn
- Relive
- Remake
- Renew
- Reopen
- Repaint
- Reprint
- Reprogram
- Reproduce
- Rewrite
- Replay
- Reassess
- Reconsider
- Retest
- Reorganize
- Reimagine
- Reinvest
- Reinstall
- Reinvent
- Recalculate
- Redesign
- Reevaluate
- Revisit
- Reconnect
- Reconfirm
- Reassemble
- Reapply
- Reinspect
- Reauthorize
- Rebalance
Words with Prefix re- (Meaning “Back”)
Here are words where re- means back:
- Recede
- Reclaim
- Recapture
- Recollect
- Recover
- Recur
- Recede
- Reduce
- Refer
- Reflect
- Refund
- Refuse
- Regain
- Relapse
- Relent
- Relinquish
- Rely
- Remain
- Remember
- Remove
- Render
- Repeal
- Repel
- Replace
- Reply
- Report
- Represent
- Repress
- Request
- Rescue
- Resist
- Respond
- Restore
- Restrict
- Retreat
- Retrieve
- Return
- Reverse
- Reveal
- Revive
Practice Sentences Using Prefix re-
Here are practice sentences where the prefix re- is used:
- I had to rebuild my science project after it broke.
- The teacher asked us to redo the homework for clarity.
- Ahmed will rewrite his essay to fix mistakes.
- We had to repaint the wall after the rain spoiled it.
- She wants to relearn the piano after many years.
- The coach told the team to replay the match for practice.
- We need to recheck the answers before submitting.
- The shop will reopen next Monday.
- Please refill the water bottle.
- Students must revisit the topic before the test.
- The boy tried to recreate the science experiment.
- I had to reenter my password twice.
- Sara decided to renew her library membership.
- The soldiers had to retreat after losing ground.
- They managed to recover the stolen bag.
- We should remember the rules during exams.
- The manager will reassign tasks to the team.
- I had to reinstall the app after an error.
- The company plans to reinvest profits into new projects.
- The medicine helped him revive after fainting.
- Please reconfirm the meeting time.
- We must reorganize the classroom before inspection.
- They will reproduce the design for the next batch.
- The students will reassemble in the hall after lunch.
- I had to recalculate my expenses.
- He tried to reclaim his lost property.
- The teacher will reassess the students’ performance.
- The army had to recapture the fort.
- We should restore the old books in the library.
- The driver had to reverse the car carefully.
FAQs about Words with re-
The prefix re- usually means again or back. It helps form words that show repetition (redo = do again) or return (retreat = move back).
Look at the beginning of a word. If it starts with re- and changes the meaning of the base word to show again or back, it uses this prefix.
Mostly yes. Words with re- are often verbs (rewrite, rebuild, return), but some nouns (refund, reply) and adjectives (renewable) also use it.
Both mean “do again,” but redo is used for actions or tasks, while remake is used for creating something new from an old version (like a movie or product).
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