首页

refill

UK[ˌriːˈfɪl]US[ˈriːˌfɪl]
v

To fill something again.

n

An amount of a substance used to refill something; a container designed to be refilled.

Morpheme Breakdown

re
fill
re

again

fill

to make full

Etymology

The word 'refill' is a transparent compound formed within English from the productive prefix 're-' and the native verb 'fill'. The prefix 're-', borrowed from Latin, has been extensively used in English since Middle English to indicate repetition or restoration of an action. The verb 'fill' has Germanic roots, descending from the Old English fyllan, which is related to the adjective 'full'. The logical construction of the word is perfectly literal: to 'fill' something once more ('re-'), a meaning that has remained consistent since its formation. This combination exemplifies how English readily creates new vocabulary by fusing classical prefixes with native Germanic stems.

Analysis

Structure: re (again) + fill (to make full) re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back". fill: Old English origin, from the verb fyllan, meaning "to make full".

Examples

Could you refill my water glass, please?

I need to buy a refill for my pen.

The pharmacy can refill your prescription automatically.

refill – Meaning, Etymology & Word Origin | OpenEtymology