re-reading
UK[ˌriː ˈriːdɪŋ]US[ˌri ˈriːdɪŋ]
n
The act of reading something again.
gerund
The process of reading a text for a second or subsequent time, often for deeper understanding or analysis.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
reading
re
again
reading
the act of reading
Etymology
The word 're-reading' is a modern English compound formed by combining the Latin-derived prefix 're-' with the native English gerund 'reading.' The prefix 're-,' from Latin, has been a productive element in English since the Middle English period, freely attached to verbs of various origins to denote repetition. The base 'reading' originates from the Old English verb 'rǣdan,' which carried meanings of advising, interpreting, and deciphering written symbols. The logical construction of 're-reading' is transparent: the concept of performing the action of reading ('reading') a second time or anew ('re-'), directly reflecting its modern meaning of revisiting a text for review, study, or pleasure.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + reading (the act of reading)
- re: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "again" or "back." It functions as a derivational prefix indicating repetition.
- reading: A noun of Old English origin, derived from the verb 'read,' meaning "the action or process of reading." It functions as the base word.
Examples
A careful re-reading of the contract revealed several important clauses we had missed.
The professor recommended a close re-reading of the first chapter before the seminar.
Her understanding of the novel deepened with each re-reading.