rehear
UK[ˌriːˈhɪə(r)]US[ˌriːˈhɪr]
v
to hear or consider (a case, argument, etc.) again, especially in a court of law.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
hear
re
again
hear
listen
Etymology
the verb "rehear" is a modern english formation, combining the productive latin-derived prefix "re-" with the ancient germanic verb "hear." the prefix "re-," from latin, was integrated into english through french and latin borrowings, becoming a versatile tool for indicating repetition. the core verb "hear" descends from proto-germanic hauzijaną, itself from the proto-indo-european root h₂ḱh₂owsyéti, meaning "to be sharp-eared." the compound "rehear" thus logically constructs its meaning of "to hear again" from these transparent parts, a process typical of english's ability to blend latinate and germanic elements to create precise legal and formal terminology.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + hear (listen)
re- is a prefix of Latin origin meaning "again" or "back." hear is a verb from Old English 'hieran' or 'hēran,' meaning "to perceive by the ear."
Examples
the court granted the motion to rehear the case based on new evidence.
the committee decided to rehear the applicant's appeal next month.
after the initial ruling, the judge agreed to rehear the witness testimony.