When you come across the words “re-sign” and “resign”, it’s easy to get confused. Despite their similar spellings, these two words have very different meanings. Understanding the distinction between them will help you use each term correctly in the right context. In this article, we will dive into the meaning, pronunciation, and usage of both terms, providing clarity and examples to help you get it right every time.
Why is There Confusion?
The main reason “re-sign” and “resign” cause confusion is their resemblance in spelling. At first glance, both words seem almost identical, but the way they are used in sentences differs greatly. Without the proper understanding of each term, it’s easy to mix them up. This confusion is particularly common for non-native speakers and early learners of English who may not realize that “re-sign” has a completely different meaning from “resign.”
What Does “Re-sign” Mean?
When you re-sign, you are signing something again. The prefix “re-“ means to do something again or renew. For instance, a player may re-sign a contract with their team after negotiations or an employee may re-sign a lease agreement after it expires. Re-sign is all about continuing a commitment, like renewing an agreement or signature.
What Does “Resign” Mean?
In contrast, when you resign, you are voluntarily quitting or leaving a position, such as a job or office. For example, someone might choose to resign from a company after many years of service or resign from a political post. It’s important to note that resign doesn’t imply any renewal or continuation. Instead, it signifies stepping down or withdrawing from a responsibility.
Why Hyphenate “Re-sign”?
The hyphen in “re-sign” is important for clarity. Without the hyphen, the word could be misinterpreted as “resign,” which has a completely different meaning. The hyphen makes sure that the reader understands the word refers to signing again or renewing an agreement, not quitting a job. This small punctuation mark plays a big role in making sure there’s no confusion.
“Re-sign” vs “Resign”: The Differences
To sum up the differences between “re-sign” and “resign,” here are the key points:
- Meaning: Re-sign means signing something again, while resign means quitting or stepping down from a position.
- Intent: When you re-sign, you are renewing or continuing something. On the other hand, when you resign, you are leaving or relinquishing a position.
- Spelling: Re-sign uses a hyphen to indicate that the action involves signing again, whereas resign does not have a hyphen and signifies departure or withdrawal.
Meaning and Intent
The meaning and intent behind re-sign and resign are what truly separate them. When you re-sign, you’re extending or renewing a commitment. For instance, a football player might re-sign a contract after a successful season. Resign, on the other hand, carries the intent of quitting or leaving. If an employee resigns from their job, it means they are voluntarily stepping down from their role, signaling the end of their commitment.
Pronunciation Difference
Although “re-sign” and “resign” are spelled similarly, their pronunciation is distinct. “Re-sign” is pronounced with two separate parts: “re” and “sign.” The stress is placed on the second syllable, “sign.” In contrast, “resign” is pronounced as a single word with the emphasis also on the second syllable. The difference in how these words are spoken helps clarify their meaning when heard in conversation.
Spelling Clues
One of the easiest ways to differentiate between “re-sign” and “resign” is through their spelling. If you are talking about renewing or signing again, remember to use the hyphenated form, “re-sign.” If you’re discussing quitting or stepping down, then “resign” is the correct choice. The hyphen in re-sign helps signal that the word is related to renewing something, not leaving it behind.
Synonyms for “Re-sign” and “Resign”
Both “re-sign” and “resign” have several synonyms that might be helpful depending on the context.
Synonyms for “Re-sign”:
- Renew
- Reconfirm
- Reauthorize
- Extend
These words focus on the idea of continuing or reaffirming an agreement, such as renewing a contract or extending a lease.
Synonyms for “Resign”:
- Quit
- Step down
- Leave
- Relinquish
- Vacate
These synonyms convey the idea of voluntarily leaving a position or stepping away from a responsibility.
Examples in Context
To better understand how to use “re-sign” and “resign” in real sentences, let’s look at some examples.
Examples of Re-sign:
- After a successful season, the star player chose to re-sign with the team for another year.
- The manager will re-sign the lease after negotiating new terms with the landlord.
Examples of Resign:
- After months of internal conflict, she decided to resign from her position as CEO.
- The senator made the decision to resign due to the ongoing scandal.
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Etymology of “Re-sign” and “Resign”
Understanding the origins of “re-sign” and “resign” can provide some insight into their meanings.
Etymology of “Re-sign”
The word “re-sign” comes from the Latin prefix “re-,” which means “again,” and the word “sign,” from the Latin “signare,” meaning “to mark or seal.” When combined, these elements suggest the act of signing or marking something again.
Etymology of “Resign”
“Resign” has its roots in the Latin word “resignare,” which means “to unseal” or “to undo.” This reflects the idea of withdrawing or relinquishing something, such as a position or responsibility. Over time, it evolved in English to describe the formal act of stepping down from a role.
Conclusion
Although “re-sign” and “resign” look similar, they have very different meanings and uses. “Re-sign” involves renewing or continuing an agreement, while “resign” refers to quitting or leaving a position. By understanding the pronunciation, spelling, and meaning behind these words, you can confidently use them in the correct context. Whether you’re signing a contract again or stepping down from a job, knowing the difference will help you communicate more clearly and effectively.
FAQ’S
What is the main difference between “re-sign” and “resign”?
“Re-sign” means signing again, while “resign” means quitting or stepping down from a position.
Why does “re-sign” have a hyphen?
The hyphen prevents confusion and makes it clear that it means signing again, not quitting.
How do you pronounce “re-sign” vs “resign”?
“Re-sign” is pronounced with a clear pause between “re” and “sign,” while “resign” is spoken smoothly.
What are some synonyms for “re-sign” and “resign”?
“Re-sign” can mean renew or extend, while “resign” can mean quit or step down.
