Comprehensive Article on “Retry”: Definitions, Synonyms, and Usage
Retry – Definition and Part of Speech
Definition:
The term retry refers to attempting an action or task again after a previous failure. It implies perseverance in the face of initial obstacles, aiming for successful completion.
Part of Speech:
Retry is primarily used as a verb. Its grammatical forms include “to retry” (infinitive), “retries” (third person singular present), “retrying” (present participle/gerund), and “retied” (past tense and past participle).
Core Synonyms
Here’s a table of main synonyms for retry, detailing their nuances, example sentences, and contexts:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reattempt | A more formal or academic way to express retrying. | “The scientist decided to reattempt the experiment.” | Academic/Formal |
| Repeat | General term for doing something again, often without failure context. | “Please repeat the instructions clearly.” | Business/Casual |
| Reprove | Typically implies a more serious or formal second attempt; may include elements of correction. | “The committee decided to reprove their policies after previous shortcomings.” | Formal/Business |
| Revise | Suggests making changes before trying again, often in creative or technical contexts. | “He had to revise his proposal and retry the submission process.” | Academic/Creative |
Usage Notes
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Reattempt is ideal for academic or formal settings where precision of language is essential. It underscores a purposeful repetition with the intention of improving upon previous attempts.
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Repeat serves well in everyday communication and business contexts, suggesting straightforward repetition without necessarily implying prior failure. It’s useful for instructions or processes that need clarity and simplicity.
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Reprove often carries a connotation of correction and is suitable for formal discourse, particularly where an attempt might involve reevaluating or amending past errors with the intention of improvement.
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Revise implies not just repetition but refinement, making it perfect for contexts requiring detailed adjustments. It’s frequently used in academic writing, technical fields, and creative projects.
Common Pitfalls
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Retry vs Repeat: While “retry” implies an initial failure or setback, “repeat” is more neutral and does not inherently carry this implication of past failure.
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Reattempt vs Reprove: Don’t confuse reattempt with reprove. The former focuses on another effort, while the latter can suggest a critical reassessment or correction.
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Revise vs Retry: Revise indicates making changes before trying again, whereas retry typically implies attempting again without significant alterations to the original approach.
Final Recap
In summary, synonyms for “retry” offer nuanced options depending on context and desired formality. While all indicate some form of repetition:
- Reattempt is best in formal or academic settings.
- Repeat is suitable for business and casual scenarios requiring straightforward duplication.
- Reprove emphasizes correction within a serious or formal attempt.
- Revise highlights modification before an effort.
By understanding these distinctions, you can enhance your communication skills across different contexts. Try incorporating these synonyms into your writing and conversation to enrich your vocabulary. Practice using them in context to develop a keen sense of their appropriate application!