re-evaluate
UK[ˌriːɪˈvæljueɪt]US[ˌriːɪˈvæljueɪt]
v
To consider or examine something again, especially in order to change or correct an earlier opinion or decision.
v
To calculate the value or amount of something again.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
evaluate
re
again
evaluate
assess value
Etymology
The word 're-evaluate' is a modern English formation built upon the established verb 'evaluate'. The core 'evaluate' entered English in the 19th century from French, tracing its lineage to the Latin 'valere', meaning "to be strong, be well, be of worth," a concept deeply rooted in the Proto-Indo-European root wal- meaning "to be strong." The prefix 're-', of direct Latin origin, is one of the most productive in English, simply appended to signify repetition. Therefore, the literal construction "to value-out again" logically evolved into the modern abstract sense of reassessing or reconsidering the worth, validity, or nature of something, implying a prior assessment is being examined anew.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + evaluate (assess value)
- re: A Latin prefix meaning "again" or "back". It functions as an intensifier or indicator of repetition.
- evaluate: From French 'évaluer', based on Latin 'ex-' (out) and 'valere' (be strong, be worth). It functions as the core verb meaning to determine the value or significance of something.
Examples
After the failed experiment, the team decided to re-evaluate their initial hypothesis.
The bank will re-evaluate the property before approving the final loan amount.
It's healthy to periodically re-evaluate your long-term career goals.