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Retake Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ“
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retake

[riหหˆteษชk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

examination

To take or sit an exam again, typically to improve one's grade or performance.

Synonyms

redo, reexamine, resit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retake

Generally used when someone has to take a test or exam again after failing or not performing well the first time.

  • She had to retake the driving test because she didn't pass the first time.
  • If you fail the math exam, you will have to retake it next month.
resit

Commonly used in British English to mean taking an exam again, similar to retake.

  • He'll need to resit his English exam in July.
  • Students who fail the initial assessment will have the opportunity to resit the exam.
redo

Used when someone needs to do an action or task over again, not limited to exams or tests, often because the first attempt was incorrect or unsatisfactory.

  • The teacher asked him to redo the assignment because it was full of errors.
  • We need to redo the presentation to better align with the client's feedback.
reexamine

Often used in a formal or professional setting, particularly in legal, academic, or medical contexts, when reviewing or analyzing something again.

  • The committee will reexamine the proposal to ensure all criteria are met.
  • She decided to reexamine the patient after the symptoms didn't improve.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to retake the exam in order to achieve a higher score.
  • I need to retake my driving test as I failed the first time.
Context #2 | Verb

photography

To take a photograph again, often to improve the quality or composition.

Synonyms

rephotograph, reshoot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retake

Used when referring to repeating a starting task or activity, like taking an exam again or retaking a scene in a film. The term is quite broad and can be used in various formal and informal contexts.

  • I need to retake my driving test because I failed the first time.
  • The director asked us to retake the scene because the lighting was poor.
reshoot

Commonly used in the context of filmmaking or photography when referring to shooting a scene or photo again due to errors or desired improvements. It is mostly used in professional or semi-professional settings.

  • We need to reshoot the final scene because the actor's performance wasn't satisfactory.
  • After reviewing the footage, the director decided we had to reshoot the action sequence.
rephotograph

Typically used in a more specific context where a photograph is being taken again. This term can be used in professional photography or casual contexts but suggests photographing the same subject more than once.

  • The light was too bright in the original shot, so we had to rephotograph the model.
  • I visited the same spot to rephotograph the sunset from a different angle.

Examples of usage

  • The photographer asked the model to retake the shot for better lighting.
  • I had to retake the group photo because someone blinked in the first one.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Film and Media

  • In film, a 'retake' allows directors to improve scenes that didnโ€™t turn out as planned, ensuring a polished final product.
  • The process of retakes can also lead to bloopers โ€“ funny mistakes that happen during filming which sometimes get included in movie credits.
  • Retakes can become iconic in cinema history, such as memorable performances that viewers adore and quote later.

Education

  • Students often can retake tests or assignments to improve their grades, promoting a culture of learning from mistakes.
  • The practice of allowing retakes is based on the belief that understanding and mastery can be achieved over time.
  • Some educational systems implement 'retake days' where students focus on subjects they find challenging.

Psychology

  • Research shows that allowing for 'retake' situations can reduce anxiety and improve confidence, as individuals can learn from prior experiences.
  • Cognitive psychology emphasizes the need for repeated practice as a way to enhance memory retention, akin to a retake.
  • The concept of self-compassion is essential in the context of retakes; it encourages individuals to not be harsh on themselves for failing initially.

Technology

  • In video games, players often have the option to retake levels after failing, facilitating practice until they succeed.
  • Software applications might include features for redoing actionsโ€”like undo buttonsโ€”reflecting the essence of retaking.
  • The rise of digital media has made retakes easier and cheaper in various forms of content creation, revolutionizing how professionals approach their work.

Origin of 'retake'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 're-' meaning again, combined with 'take', which relates to grabbing or seizing.
  • It has been in use in English since the late 1600s, originally connected to various kinds of seizing or capturing.
  • The transformation of its meaning to include repeating actions occurred during the development of modern English in the 20th century.

The word 'retake' originated from the combination of 're-' meaning 'again' and 'take'. It first appeared in the mid-16th century, primarily used in the context of taking an examination again. Over time, it has also been adopted in photography to refer to capturing an image once more. The term has since become widely accepted in both academic and visual arts fields.

See also: intake, overtake, partake, retaking, take, takeaway, taken, takeoff, takeout, takeover, taker, taking, undertake, untaken, uptake.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,936, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.