remind
UK[rɪˈmaɪnd]US[rɪˈmaɪnd]
v
To cause someone to think of something again or to remember something.
v
To cause someone to remember to do something.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
mind
re
again
mind
to think
Etymology
The verb 'remind' is a relatively modern English formation, emerging in the 17th century. It is a compound of the Latin-derived prefix 're-', meaning "again," and the Old English noun 'mind,' which evolved from the Proto-Germanic ga-mundiz, related to memory and thought. The literal construction "to mind again" perfectly captures the word's function: to bring a thought, memory, or intention back into someone's conscious awareness. This transparent logic, combining a classical prefix with a Germanic root, exemplifies how English builds precise meanings from its dual vocabulary heritage.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + mind (to think)
- re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back."
- mind: Old English origin (from 'gemynd'), here functioning as a verb stem meaning "to think of" or "to remember."
Examples
That song always reminds me of our summer vacation.
Please remind me to call the doctor tomorrow.
The old photograph reminded her of how much the city had changed.