Again Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”
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again

[ษ™หˆษกษ›n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in reference to a previous occasion

Another time; once more.

Synonyms

afresh, anew, once more.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
again

Used to indicate repetition of an action or event, often after a short break or lapse in time.

  • He asked the question again because he didn't hear the answer
  • They watched the movie again
once more

Used in similar contexts to 'again,' but often with a formal or emphatic tone, indicating one final repetition or attempt.

  • He tried once more to lift the heavy box
  • She sang the song once more for the audience
anew

Used to suggest beginning something again in a new or different way, with a sense of renewal or fresh start.

  • They decided to start their project anew with a different approach
  • He moved to a new city to live his life anew
afresh

Used to indicate starting something over from the beginning as if it were new, often implying a new perspective or fresh effort.

  • After failing the exam, she decided to study afresh
  • They built their lives afresh after moving to a new country

Examples of usage

  • I had to start all over again from the beginning.
  • Let's try this again.
Context #2 | Adverb

indicating contrast with a previous state

Returning to a previous position or condition.

Synonyms

afresh, anew, once more.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
again

Used in everyday conversation to indicate that something is happening another time.

  • Can you explain it again? She read the book again
once more

Used to emphasize the repetition of an action, often in formal or dramatic situations.

  • Let me see the evidence once more
  • She glanced at the old photo once more before leaving
anew

Used in literary or formal contexts to indicate starting again in a different or new way.

  • He looked at life anew after the accident
  • The treaty was signed anew, signifying a new beginning
afresh

Often used when starting something over in a new or different way, implying a fresh start.

  • They decided to start afresh in a new city
  • She began the project afresh after the initial failure

Examples of usage

  • He was ill, but now he's well again.
  • She was happy, then sad, then happy again.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Writers often use 'again' to create a sense of repetition, emphasizing certain themes, memories, or emotions.
  • Famous poets like Robert Frost have used the word to evoke nostalgia, reflecting on past experiences.

Psychology

  • 'Again' implies familiarity, which can create comfort; humans often seek repetition in activities that bring joy.
  • In cognitive psychology, repeating tasks or information enhances memory retention - what you do again sticks better in your mind.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'Here we go again' has become a popular meme, symbolizing repetition in a humorous way.
  • In music, songs that feature the word 'again' often revolve around themes of love and longing, expressing the desire to return to a moment.

Science

  • Repeating experiments is crucial in science to validate results; it's the principle of replication that forms the backbone of scientific inquiry.
  • In computer programming, loops are a way of getting something to run again and again until a certain condition is met.

Origin of 'again'

Main points about word origin

  • The word traces back to Middle English 'agan' and Old English 'on gaene', meaning 'in return or in a backward direction'.
  • Interestingly, the word combined two elements: 'ga' meaning 'to go' and 'again' indicating 'back'.

The word 'again' originated from the Middle English phrase 'of gain', which means 'in return or consequence of'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to indicate repetition or a return to a previous state. The adverb 'again' is commonly used in everyday speech and writing to express the idea of something happening once more or returning to a previous condition.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #175, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.