Reacquaint: meaning, definitions and examples
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reacquaint
[ˌriːəˈkweɪnt ]
Definitions
in a social setting
To renew or restore a previous acquaintance with someone. It involves getting to know someone again after a period of separation or lack of contact.
Synonyms
reconnect, reestablish, reintroduce.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reacquaint |
Use this word when you meet someone again after a long time and want to get to know them anew.
|
| reconnect |
This is suitable when you want to reestablish a previously lost or weakened relationship or communication.
|
| reestablish |
Use this word to talk about setting up or bringing something back into existence, typically in a formal or structured manner.
|
| reintroduce |
This fits situations where something is being presented or brought back after it was absent or forgotten.
|
Examples of usage
- After years of not seeing each other, they decided to reacquaint at the high school reunion.
- I need to reacquaint myself with my old friends from college.
with a subject or topic
To familiarize oneself with a subject or topic that was previously known but has been forgotten or neglected.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reacquaint |
When you encounter someone or something you used to know well but haven't seen or interacted with for a long time
|
| refresh |
When you need to renew knowledge or skills to keep them current or up-to-date
|
| review |
For systematically going over material or information, often as a preparation for an exam or an important event
|
| brush up |
For brushing up on skills or knowledge that you haven't used in a while and need to regain proficiency
|
Examples of usage
- I need to reacquaint myself with the new regulations before the meeting.
- She reacquainted herself with the basics of the language before traveling abroad.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from 'acquaint' which has roots in the Latin word 'acquaintare' meaning to make known.
- The prefix 're-' means 'again', which adds the idea of doing something a second time.
- This word has been used in English since the 19th century to express the act of renewing familiarity.
Psychology
- Reacquainting can help strengthen social bonds, as familiarity is key to feeling comfortable with others.
- Studies show that reconnecting with old friends can lead to increased happiness and reduced feelings of loneliness.
- The brain often recognizes familiar faces more easily, making reacquainting a pleasant experience for many.
Literature
- In novels, reacquainting often serves as a plot device to explore characters’ growth over time.
- Poets frequently use the theme of reacquainting with old places or memories to evoke nostalgia.
- Classic stories sometimes revolve around characters reuniting and discovering how they’ve changed together.
Sociocultural Perspective
- In many cultures, reacquainting often occurs during family gatherings, showing the importance of community ties.
- Social media has transformed how people reacquaint, making it easier to find and connect with old acquaintances.
- Cultural traditions often celebrate reunions, highlighting the joy of reacquainting in a communal setting.
Translations
Translations of the word "reacquaint" in other languages:
🇵🇹 reacostumar-se
🇮🇳 फिर से परिचित होना
🇩🇪 wieder vertraut machen
🇮🇩 berkenalan kembali
🇺🇦 поновити знайомство
🇵🇱 ponownie zaznajomić się
🇯🇵 再会する
🇫🇷 re-familiariser
🇪🇸 reacostumbrarse
🇹🇷 yeniden tanışmak
🇰🇷 다시 알게 되다
🇸🇦 إعادة التعرف
🇨🇿 znovu se seznámit
🇸🇰 znovu sa zoznámiť
🇨🇳 重新认识
🇸🇮 ponovno se spoznati
🇮🇸 endurkynnast
🇰🇿 қайта танысу
🇬🇪 ხელახლა გაცნობა
🇦🇿 yenidən tanış olmaq
🇲🇽 reacostumbrarse