Reexamine: Definition and Synonyms
reexamine – Definition and Part of Speech
The verb reexamine means to examine again or look over once more, often to ensure accuracy or completeness or to consider something from a fresh perspective. It is typically used in contexts where thoroughness and attention to detail are crucial.
Grammatical Forms:
- Base form: reexamine
- Third person singular: reexamines
- Past tense: reexamined
- Present participle/gerund: reexamining
Core Synonyms
Below is a table listing the main synonyms for reexamine, along with their brief definitions, example sentences, and typical style or register of use.
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Review | To consider something again systematically | “The committee will review the proposal before final approval.” | Formal/Neutral |
| Reassess | To evaluate again, often with a different perspective | “After further data analysis, they reassessed their initial findings.” | Academic/Formal |
| Scrutinize | To examine closely and in detail | “The journalist decided to scrutinize the politician’s past records.” | Formal/Analytical |
| Reevaluate | To evaluate or appraise again | “We need to reevaluate our strategy in light of new market conditions.” | Business/Formal |
| Reflect on | To think deeply about something considered before | “She took time to reflect on her choices during the project.” | Informal/Academic |
Usage Notes
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Review: Often used in formal and business contexts, this synonym implies a systematic process. For instance, “We need to review all documents before submission.”
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Reassess: Preferred in academic or technical settings when new information prompts reconsideration. Example: “The researchers decided to reassess the hypothesis after receiving contradictory results.”
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Scrutinize: Best suited for investigative or analytical contexts where thoroughness is emphasized, as seen in journalistic work. For example: “He scrutinized every detail of the financial report.”
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Reevaluate: Commonly used in business environments when strategies or decisions are reconsidered based on new data or outcomes. Example: “The team had to reevaluate their priorities for the quarter.”
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Reflect on: This is more introspective and personal, often utilized in informal settings or reflective essays. For example: “He spent the evening reflecting on his life choices.”
Common Pitfalls
A common pitfall involves confusing reexamine with examine, as they both involve looking at something carefully, but reexamine specifically implies doing so a second time. Another potential mix-up is using review and reevaluate interchangeably; while similar, review often entails more of an overview or systematic examination, whereas reevaluate focuses on reassessing values or judgments.
Final Recap
In summary, the primary synonyms for reexamine include review, reassess, scrutinize, reevaluate, and reflect on. Each carries subtle differences in meaning and is suited to specific contexts, from formal reviews to personal reflection. Understanding these nuances can greatly enhance your vocabulary and precision in both written and spoken communication.
We encourage you to practice using these words in context—try writing sentences or having conversations where each synonym might fit. This exercise will help solidify their meanings and appropriate usage for various situations.