restate
UK[ˌriːˈsteɪt]US[ˌriːˈsteɪt]
v
To say something again or in a different way, especially to make the meaning clearer.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
state
re
again
state
express
Etymology
The word "restate" is a modern English formation, combining the Latin prefix 're-' with the verb 'state.' The core verb 'state' originates from the Latin 'stare' (to stand), which evolved through Latin 'status' (condition, position) and Old French 'estat' into the English sense of declaring something definitively, as if setting it firmly in place. The addition of the prefix 're-' (again) logically creates the meaning of declaring something once more, often with the intent of clarification or emphasis. Thus, the word's construction follows a clear and direct path from its constituent parts: to 'state again.'
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + state (express)
- re: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "again" or "back." It functions as an intensifier or indicates repetition.
- state: A verb of Latin origin (via Old French), from 'stare' meaning "to stand." In this context, it functions as a verb meaning "to express or declare something in speech or writing."
Examples
The lawyer asked the witness to restate the answer for the jury.
Let me restate my position so there is no misunderstanding.
The report merely restates the problems without offering new solutions.