reset
UK[ˌriːˈset]US[ˌriːˈset]
v
to change a machine, system, or device so that it goes back to its original state or settings.
v
to cause something to start again in a different, usually better, way.
n
an act of resetting something.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
set
re
again
set
place, fix
Etymology
the word 'reset' is a transparent compound formed within english from the prefix 're-' and the verb 'set'. the prefix 're-', derived from latin, carries the core meaning of "again" or "back", indicating repetition or restoration. the verb 'set', of old english/germanic origin, has a broad semantic field centered on the ideas of placing, fixing, or establishing something in a particular state. the logical combination of these elements—'to set again' or 'to set back'—perfectly captures the modern meanings of restoring a device to its original condition or initiating a fresh start. this straightforward morphological construction allows the word's meaning to be intuitively understood from its parts.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + set (place, fix)
re: latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
set: old english origin, from the verb 'settan', meaning "to cause to sit, put, place, fix".
Examples
if the software freezes, you may need to reset your computer.
the negotiations have broken down, so we must reset our expectations.
after the power outage, a factory reset of the router was required.