recommence
UK[ˌriːkəˈmens]US[ˌriːkəˈmens]
v
to begin again; to start again after a pause or interruption.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
commence
re
again
commence
begin
Etymology
the word "recommence" is a compound formed within english by combining the latin-derived prefix "re-" with the verb "commence". "commence" itself entered english from old french 'comencier', which evolved from vulgar latin 'cominitiare', meaning "to initiate". the latin root 'initium' (a beginning) is traceable to the verb 'inire', "to go into", from 'in-' (into) and 'ire' (to go). the prefix "re-", from latin, consistently denotes repetition or a return to a previous state. therefore, the literal construction "to begin again" perfectly captures the modern abstract meaning of restarting an action or process.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + commence (begin)
- re: a prefix of Latin origin, meaning "again" or "back". it functions as an intensifier or indicator of repetition.
- commence: a verb of latin origin (via old french), from 'cominitiare', meaning "to begin". it functions as the core lexical root.
Examples
after the short intermission, the performance will recommence.
the peace talks are expected to recommence next week.
he paused to take a sip of water before recommencing his speech.