Re-sign or resign? Just one tiny hyphen can flip the meaning of your sentence and leave your reader scratching their head, or worse, completely misunderstanding your intent.
Imagine the chaos of telling your boss you want to “resign” a contract when you meant to “re-sign” it! Knowing the difference isn’t just about good grammar; it’s about avoiding embarrassing mistakes that can derail your message.
If you’ve ever paused to double-check which is correct (or wished you had), you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll break it all down for you, simple, clear, and packed with examples to make sure you never confuse them again. Let’s dive in!
Quick Summary
Here’s a concise breakdown of the two terms:
- Re-sign:
Meaning: To sign again, often used in the context of renewing a contract, agreement, or document.
Example: “The athlete decided to re-sign with the team for another three years.” - Resign:
Meaning: To voluntarily leave a position, job, or role.
Example: “She decided to resign from her position due to personal reasons.”
⚡ Key Takeaways:
- The hyphen in “re-sign” changes its meaning entirely. Without the hyphen, it becomes “resign.”
- Re-sign has a positive or neutral connotation (renewing or extending agreements), while resign often implies ending or stepping down from something.
- Proper context and punctuation are critical to ensure your meaning is clear.
Reasons for Confusion
Why do people often mix up “re-sign” and “resign”? Let’s explore a few key reasons:
1. Visual Similarity
Both terms are identical except for the hyphen. This slight difference can easily be overlooked, especially in quick or informal writing.
2. Pronunciation Ambiguity
While both words look alike, their pronunciations differ subtly:
- Re-sign: Pronounced as ree-sine (with emphasis on the prefix “re”).
- Resign: Pronounced as ri-zine (with a softer “i” sound).
3. Context Dependence
The meaning of the terms often relies heavily on context. For example:
- “He will resign tomorrow.”
Without context, this could mean stepping down from a position or signing again if a hyphen is mistakenly omitted.
4. Typing or Formatting Errors
In digital communication, errors like missing or misplaced hyphens are common. Spellcheckers may not flag such mistakes since both words are valid.
5. Influence of Regional Usage
In some regions, people may misinterpret or confuse the terms due to differences in pronunciation, teaching methods, or less frequent exposure to the term “re-sign.”
Detailed Explanation
What Does “Re-sign” Mean?
Re-sign means “to sign again.” It is commonly used in professional or legal contexts, such as:
- Renewing contracts.
- Extending agreements.
- Signing documents multiple times.
Examples:
- “The CEO plans to re-sign the partnership agreement next month.”
- “After reviewing the updated terms, she chose to re-sign the contract.”
The prefix “re-“ suggests repetition or doing something again. The hyphen is crucial for clarity. Without it, the word could be misinterpreted as “resign.”
What Does “Resign” Mean?
Resign means “to voluntarily leave a position or role.” It typically refers to quitting a job, stepping down from office, or relinquishing a responsibility. The word carries a connotation of departure, often for personal or professional reasons.
Examples:
- “The mayor announced her decision to resign after the controversy.”
- “He resigned from the board to focus on other ventures.”
Fun Fact: In formal contexts, “resignation” is the noun form, as in “a letter of resignation.”
Key Differences Between “Re-sign” and “Resign”
| Feature | Re-sign | Resign |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To sign again | To leave a position voluntarily |
| Pronunciation | Ree-sine | Ri-zine |
| Connotation | Neutral or positive | Often neutral, but sometimes negative |
| Hyphen | Always required | Not used |
| Context | Contract renewals, legal documents | Quitting jobs, stepping down |
⚡ Quick Tip:
If you’re unsure whether to use “re-sign” or “resign,” ask yourself:
- Does it involve signing something again? Use “re-sign.”
- Does it mean leaving a job or position? Use “resign.”
Common Errors
Let’s look at common mistakes people make when using these terms, and how to avoid them:
- Omitting the Hyphen in “Re-sign”
- Incorrect: “He decided to resign the contract.”
- Why it’s wrong: Without the hyphen, “resign” implies quitting, not renewing.
- Correct: “He decided to re-sign the contract.”
- Misplacing the Hyphen
- Incorrect: “She chose to re sign her employment agreement.”
- Why it’s wrong: Leaving a space between “re” and “sign” is grammatically incorrect.
- Correct: “She chose to re-sign her employment agreement.”
- Using “Resign” When “Re-sign” is Intended
- Incorrect: “The player resigned with the team for another season.”
- Why it’s wrong: Without the hyphen, it seems the player quit rather than renewed their contract.
- Correct: “The player re-signed with the team for another season.”
- Misunderstanding Context
- Example: “The professor will resign the agreement.”
- Possible confusion: Is the professor leaving the agreement, or signing it again? Proper punctuation and context are crucial here.
Synonyms or Alternatives
If you’re unsure or want to avoid confusion, consider these alternatives:
For “Re-sign”:
- Renew
- Extend
- Reauthorize
- Endorse again
For “Resign”:
- Step down
- Quit
- Leave
- Withdraw
These alternatives can simplify communication, especially in spoken or informal writing.
Examples in Sentences
Here are examples that illustrate the correct usage of “re-sign” and “resign”:
- Re-sign:
- “The musician decided to re-sign with the record label for another two albums.”
- “Please re-sign the document after correcting the errors.”
- Resign:
- “After much thought, the manager decided to resign from her position.”
- “He handed in his resignation letter last Friday.”
⚡ Quick Tip:
When writing or proofreading, always check for context and the presence of a hyphen to ensure clarity.
Origins and History
The origins of these terms shed light on their meanings:
- “Re-sign” comes from the prefix “re-“ (Latin for “again”) combined with “sign” (from the Latin signare, meaning “to mark or seal”).
- “Resign” originates from the Latin word resignare, which means “to unseal” or “to relinquish.”
While both share Latin roots, the prefix “re-“ gives “re-sign” its distinct meaning of repetition, while “resign” evolved to signify giving something up.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “re-sign” and “resign” is a small but vital detail in professional and everyday communication. By paying attention to the presence (or absence) of a hyphen, you can avoid embarrassing mistakes and ensure your writing is clear and precise.
Key Takeaways:
- Re-sign means to sign something again; resign means to step down from a role.
- Always use a hyphen in “re-sign” to avoid confusion.
- Context is crucial, proofread your sentences to ensure your intended meaning is clear.
Mastering this distinction will not only make your writing more polished but also prevent potential misunderstandings in both formal and casual scenarios. Next time you’re writing, double-check whether you mean “re-sign” or **”resign”, your readers (and your reputation) will thank you!
