reshuffle
UK[ˌriːˈʃʌf.əl]US[ˌriːˈʃʌf.əl]
v
To shuffle something again, especially a pack of cards.
v
To change the positions or responsibilities of people within an organization or group.
n
An act of reshuffling something, especially a pack of cards or a set of positions.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
shuffle
re
again
shuffle
mix
Etymology
The word 'reshuffle' is a transparent compound formed within Modern English. The core verb 'shuffle' entered English in the 16th century, likely from Low German schuffeln, meaning to walk clumsily or to mix cards, itself related to the act of shoving or dragging the feet. The Latin-derived prefix 're-', meaning "again", was prefixed to 'shuffle' to create a new, specific term. This logical construction directly reflects its primary meaning: to perform the action of shuffling—whether cards or organizational roles—once more or in a new way. The term's application to personnel changes is a metaphorical extension from the randomizing action of mixing a deck.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + shuffle (mix)
- re: A prefix of Latin origin meaning "again" or "back". It functions as an intensifier or indicator of repetition.
- shuffle: A verb of Germanic origin (perhaps from Low German schuffeln) meaning "to mix (cards) by sliding them over each other" or "to move with a dragging gait". It functions as the core root describing the action.
Examples
The dealer will reshuffle the deck before the next hand.
The Prime Minister is expected to reshuffle the cabinet next week.
The company's latest reshuffle aims to boost innovation in its digital division.