reread

reread — verb

1. to read a piece of writing one more time, either to understand it better, find m

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveB1
Definition

to read a piece of writing one more time, either to understand it better, find mistakes, or enjoy it again

Example

Imran decided to reread the novel before the book club meeting.

infinitive: decide to reread [sth] before [event]

The email was confusing, so Ayesha reread it three times.

adverbial: reread [sth] [number] times

Common collocations
  • reread carefully
  • reread the passage
  • reread the chapter
  • reread the letter
  • reread the email
  • reread the essay
Synonyms
  • read again

    more literal phrasing, less compact

  • review

    stronger focus on studying or checking content, not just reading

  • go over

    informal; implies checking for understanding or errors

  • revisit

    broader; can mean thinking about or experiencing again, not limited to reading

Antonyms
  • skim

    read quickly without full attention — antonym in level of thoroughness

  • scan

    look for specific information quickly — antonym in purpose

Grammar Patterns

reread + noun phrase

reread (no object)

Usage Note

Often used with a specific number (reread something twice / three times) or a reason phrase (to check, to understand better). The object is typically written material: a book, article, email, essay, or chapter.

Common Mistakes

I reread the instructions for the first time.
I read the instructions for the first time.
'reread' means to read at least a second time, so 'for the first time' contradicts it.
She reread back the letter.
She reread the letter.
'reread' already contains the idea of reading again; adding 'back' is redundant.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

"Reread" is the most direct and neutral term — it simply means reading a text a second or later time, with no extra implication about purpose. "Review" suggests studying or assessing the content (e.g., reviewing notes before an exam), and can also mean evaluating something that isn't text (review a film). "Go over" is more informal and often used for checking details or instructions (Let's go over the plan again). "Revisit" is the broadest of the three — it can mean mentally returning to an idea or experience (revisit a childhood memory) and is not limited to reading. Use reread when you mean literally reading again; use review when the goal is study or evaluation; use revisit when the focus is on re-engaging with ideas rather than with a physical text.

review ↗go over ↗revisit ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • reread from the beginning
  • reread out of curiosity
  • reread for pleasure

Etymology

LatinOld EnglishEnglish

Formed by adding the prefix "re-" (meaning 'again' or 'back') to the verb "read," which comes from Old English rædan ('to interpret, advise, read'). The prefix comes from Latin re- ('again, back'). The word has been in English use since at least the 1700s.