Misplacing a simple hyphen can completely change the meaning of a word. This is the case with re-sign and resign—two words that look similar but have entirely different meanings. In professional, legal, and everyday writing, the difference between these words can cause confusion if not used correctly. This guide will clarify their meanings, pronunciation, spelling, etymology, and correct usage in various contexts.
Meanings & Definitions
What Does “Re-sign” Mean?
Re-sign means to sign again, renew, or extend an agreement. It is a verb that requires a hyphen to separate the prefix re- (meaning “again”) from the root word sign.
Examples:
- “The basketball player decided to re-sign with the team for another season.”
- “She will re-sign her lease for another year.”
- “The company offered him a better contract, and he chose to re-sign.”
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What Does “Resign” Mean?
Resign means to quit, step down, or relinquish a position or responsibility. Unlike “re-sign,” this word has no hyphen and follows a completely different pronunciation pattern.
Examples:
- “The CEO will resign at the end of the fiscal year.”
- “She chose to resign rather than continue under poor management.”
- “Many politicians resign due to scandals or controversies.”
Pronunciation & Spelling
One major reason for the confusion between “re-sign” and “resign” is their different pronunciations.
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Re-sign | ree-SIGN | To sign again, renew |
| Resign | ri-ZINE | To step down, quit |
When spoken, “resign” sounds like “design,” whereas “re-sign” retains the clear “sign” sound.
Etymology & Word Origins
Understanding the etymology of these words helps explain their distinct meanings.
- Re-sign comes from the Latin “signare”, meaning “to mark or sign,” combined with the prefix re-, which means “again.”
- Resign originates from the Latin “resignare”, meaning “to give up or relinquish,” where re- acts as an intensifier rather than meaning “again.”
This historical distinction explains why one word means “to sign again,” while the other means “to give up.”
Key Differences Between Re-sign and Resign
| Feature | Re-sign | Resign |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To sign again, renew, extend | To quit, step down, abandon |
| Hyphenation | Always hyphenated | Never hyphenated |
| Pronunciation | ree-SIGN | ri-ZINE |
| Common Usage | Contracts, agreements | Jobs, responsibilities |
| Example | “He will re-sign his contract.” | “She will resign from her position.” |
A missing hyphen in re-sign could lead to miscommunication, particularly in legal and professional settings.
Usage in Different Contexts
Workplace & Business
- Re-sign: “The manager decided to re-sign a new deal with the company.”
- Resign: “Due to stress, the manager chose to resign from his position.”
Sports Contracts
- Re-sign: “The football player agreed to re-sign for another two years.”
- Resign: “After a career-ending injury, he had to resign from professional sports.”
Legal & Political Settings
- Re-sign: “The mayor will re-sign the agreement after amendments.”
- Resign: “The senator will resign following public pressure.”
Synonyms & Alternative Words
| Re-sign Synonyms | Resign Synonyms |
|---|---|
| Renew | Quit |
| Extend | Step down |
| Recommit | Abandon |
| Sign again | Retire |
| Ratify | Relinquish |
Choosing the right synonyms can help clarify meaning when writing or speaking.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
1. Forgetting the Hyphen in “Re-sign”
Mistake: “He will resign a new contract next week.”
- This sentence is unclear. Does it mean he will “sign again” or “quit”?
- Corrected: “He will re-sign a new contract next week.”
2. Using the Wrong Pronunciation
- Many people mistakenly pronounce “resign” like “re-sign,” causing confusion.
- Tip: Remember, “resign” sounds like “design,” while “re-sign” sounds like “sign.”
3. Using the Wrong Word in Legal or Business Writing
- Contracts must be precisely worded to avoid misinterpretation.
- Example: “The executive will re-sign his contract” vs. “The executive will resign his position.”
Case Studies: Real-World Examples of Miscommunication
Case Study 1: A Sports Contract Mix-Up
In 2018, a major sports news outlet mistakenly reported that a star athlete planned to resign from his team instead of re-signing. The incorrect wording sparked rumors that the player was leaving, causing panic among fans. The news was later corrected to state that he had agreed to re-sign for another three years.
Case Study 2: A CEO’s Public Announcement
A corporate memo intended to state that the CEO would re-sign his contract. However, the missing hyphen led employees to believe he was stepping down. This misinterpretation spread quickly, leading to unnecessary speculation before the company issued a clarification.
Quick Memory Trick to Avoid Confusion
- Think of “re-sign” as “signing again.” If it makes sense, add the hyphen.
- If you mean quitting, use “resign.” No hyphen is needed.
- Check pronunciation: If it rhymes with “design,” it means quitting.
Conclusion
The difference between “re-sign” and “resign” is small in writing but huge in meaning. A hyphen can determine whether someone is renewing their contract or quitting their job. Understanding their pronunciation, spelling, and etymology ensures clear and effective communication.
When in doubt, ask yourself:
- Does the word mean “to sign again”? → Use re-sign with a hyphen.
- Does the word mean “to step down”? → Use resign without a hyphen.
Mastering these distinctions will prevent confusion and keep your writing precise and professional!