Y05W03VC Word Roots — re- (again / back)

The prefix re- comes from Latin and carries the core meaning of 'again' or 'back'. It is used with verbs to indicate that an action is repeated or returned to a previous state. Words built with re- are common in academic, formal, and everyday writing across all subject areas. This module explores six academic words and three further examples that share this prefix.

Word Families

These three words all use re-. As you read, notice how the meaning 'again / back' helps explain each word.

rewrite

/ˈriːraɪt/

re‑write

verb | [rewrite – rewrote – rewritten]

To rewrite something is to write it again, usually to make it better or correct mistakes.

Example: She was asked to rewrite her introduction so that the main idea was stated more clearly.

Synonyms: revise, redo, edit

Collocations: rewrite the draft, rewrite clearly, rewrite to improve

rebuild

/ˈriːbɪld/

re‑build

verb | [rebuild – rebuilt – rebuilt]

To rebuild something is to build it again after it has been damaged or destroyed.

Example: After the storm, the community worked together to rebuild the fences along the beach path.

Synonyms: reconstruct, restore, repair

Collocations: rebuild from scratch, rebuild after, rebuild the structure

return

/rɪˈtɜːn/

re‑turn

verb | [return – returned – returned]

To return means to go back to a place or to give something back to where it belongs.

Example: She promised to return the library book before the due date so others could borrow it.

Synonyms: go back, come back, bring back

Collocations: return to, return home, return something

Academic Vocab

identify

/aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪ/

i‑den‑ti‑fy

verb | [identify – identified – identified]

To identify something is to recognise what it is or to point out which one it is.

Word family: identification (n.), identifiable (adj.)

Example: The scientist was able to identify the type of rock by examining its colour and texture.

Synonyms: recognise, name, spot

Collocations: identify the problem, identify a pattern, identify as

main

/meɪn/

main

adjective

Something that is main is the most important or largest of its kind — it is the central or primary one.

Example: The main idea of the paragraph was stated clearly in the first sentence.

Synonyms: primary, chief, central

Collocations: main idea, the main point, main character

idea

/aɪˈdɪə/

i‑de‑a

noun

An idea is a thought or plan that comes into your mind, often suggesting something new or different.

Example: She had a great idea for how to set out the information in her report.

Synonyms: thought, concept, plan

Collocations: a good idea, the main idea, share an idea

observe

/əbˈzɜːv/

ob‑serve

verb | [observe – observed – observed]

To observe something is to watch it carefully and pay close attention to what is happening.

Word Breakdown: -serve is from Latin servare meaning ‘to watch or keep’ — used here as note

Word family: observation (n.), observational (adj.)

Example: The students were asked to observe the way the water moved when they stirred it.

Synonyms: watch, notice, study

Collocations: observe carefully, observe the changes, observe and record

record

/ˈrɛkɔːd/

re‑cord

verb | [record – recorded – recorded]

To record something is to write it down or save it so it can be remembered or used later.

Word family: recording (n.), recorded (adj.)

Example: He was careful to record his observations in his science journal after each experiment.

Synonyms: write down, note, document

Collocations: record information, record results, keep a record

furthermore

/ˈfɜːðəmɔː/

fur‑ther‑more

adverb

‘Furthermore’ is used to add another point that supports or builds on what was just said.

Example: The report was well organised; furthermore, it included clear evidence for every claim.

Synonyms: in addition, also, moreover

Collocations: furthermore, this shows; furthermore, it is; furthermore, there are

Confusing Words

to vs too vs two

These three words sound exactly the same, which makes them easy to mix up when writing.

  • to — To' is the most common and is used before a verb or to show direction — for example, She went to the library or He wanted to learn.
  • too — Too' means 'also' or 'more than enough' — for example, She wanted to come too, or It was too hot to play outside.
  • two — Two' is the number 2 — for example, There were two books left on the shelf.

Memory rule: A simple trick is to check the meaning: if you mean the number, write 'two'; if you mean 'also' or 'excessively', write 'too'; for everything else, use 'to'.