Re-sign or Resign? Learn When and How to Use Each Correctly

Understanding the difference between re-sign and resign is essential for conveying a message with clarity. They sound almost identical, look alike, and so many confuse these two phrases. Yet each of them has starkly contrasting meanings. In this article, we will learn about the proper usage of these two words.

The hyphen with re-sign will be discussed. To reinforce their uses, they will be backed up with synonymous terms and illustrative examples. By the end of the article, you would be so grounded in the concepts behind these words that you would never misuse them in either writing or conversations.

Why is There Confusion?

The confusion between re-sign and resign primarily arises from their similar spelling and pronunciation. At first glance, both words appear identical, with the same letters arranged in the same order. This visual similarity often leads to a mix-up, especially if you’re not familiar with the context in which the words are used.

However, despite their similar appearance, re-sign and resign carry entirely different meanings. Re-sign indicates the action of signing a document or contract again, usually in the context of an extension or renewal. Contrastingly, resign refers to the act of voluntarily leaving a position or job, often formalized through a resignation letter.

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What Does “Re-sign” Mean?

The term re-sign refers to the act of signing a document again. This is common in situations like contract renewal or employment extension. For example, if an employee’s contract is about to expire, they may re-sign to continue their job. 

In this context, re-sign emphasizes the commitment to the same role or agreement. It is essential to use this term correctly to convey the idea of signing again rather than quitting or leaving a position.

What Does “Resign” Mean?

In contrast, resign means to leave a job or position voluntarily. When someone decides to resign, they are formally stepping down from their role. This action often involves submitting a resignation letter to their employer. 

The intent behind resigning is to indicate a desire to quit or depart from a job role. Understanding this distinction is vital for effective communication, especially in professional settings.

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Why Hyphenate “Re-sign”?

The hyphen in re-sign plays a crucial role in distinguishing it from resign. The hyphenation rule helps clarify that the prefix “re-” modifies the verb “sign.” Without the hyphen, the word could be misread as resign, leading to confusion. 

The hyphen signals to the reader that the action involves signing again, not quitting. This small punctuation mark can prevent significant misunderstandings in written communication.

“Re-sign” vs “Resign”: The Differences

Understanding the differences between re-sign and resign is essential for effective communication. The meanings and intents of these words are distinct..

Meaning and Intent

The meaning and intent behind re-sign and resign are fundamentally different. When you 

Re-sign, you are reaffirming your commitment to a position or agreement. In contrast, when you 

Resign, you are indicating your intention to leave. This distinction is crucial in professional settings, where clarity is vital.

Pronunciation Difference

The pronunciation of re-sign and resign also differs

Re-sign is pronounced with a clear emphasis on the second syllable, while 

Resign has a more straightforward pronunciation. This difference can help listeners understand which term is being used in conversation.

Spelling Clues

Spelling clues can also aid in distinguishing between re-sign and resign. The presence of the 

The hyphen in re-sign is a clear indicator that it refers to signing again. In contrast, resign lacks 

No Hyphen, signaling a different meaning altogether. Paying attention to these spelling clues can help prevent miscommunication.

Sure, here’s a table illustrating the differences between the terms “Re-sign” and “Resign”:

	Re-sign	Resign
Definition	To sign a contract or agreement again, usually to renew or extend its terms.	To voluntarily leave a job or position, usually by formally giving notice.
Etymology	Composed of the prefix ‘re-‘, meaning ‘again’, and ‘sign’, from Latin ‘signare’ meaning ‘to mark’.	Derived from Latin ‘resignare’, meaning ‘to unseal, annul, cancel, give back, give up’.
Example	The athlete decided to re-sign with his original team.	The director decided to resign from the board due to disagreements.
Usage	Commonly used in legal or professional contexts involving the renewal or extension of contracts.	Used across various contexts to denote the act of leaving a job or position voluntarily.

Synonyms for “Re-sign” and “Resign”

Knowing synonyms for re-sign and resign can enhance your vocabulary and understanding of these terms. 

Synonyms for “Re-sign”

• Recommit: To pledge or dedicate oneself again to a cause or activity.
• Extend: To prolong or lengthen the duration of a contract or agreement.
• Continue: To carry on or keep up an agreement or contract.
• Carry On: To keep doing something, often in the context of maintaining a contract or agreement.
• Prolong: To make something, like a contract, last longer.
• Perpetuate: To make a contract or agreement continue indefinitely.
• Keep Up: To continue at the same rate or pace, often used in the context of maintaining a contract.
• Maintain: To keep something, such as a contract, in an existing state or condition.
• Preserve: To maintain a situation or condition, like a contract, without changes.
• Sustain: To keep a contract or agreement going over a period of time.
• Persevere: To persist or continue with a contract or agreement despite difficulties.
• Uphold: To maintain or support a contract or agreement as valid or right.

Synonyms for “Resign”

• Quit: To leave a job or position voluntarily, often permanently.
• Depart: To leave a job or position, typically to go somewhere else or pursue another opportunity.
• Withdraw: To remove oneself from a job or position, often for personal reasons.
• Retire: To stop working after reaching a certain age or after a long period of employment.
• Step Down: To voluntarily leave a position or role, usually to make way for a successor.
• Leave: To go away from a job or position, usually for an extended period or permanently.
• Abdicate: To formally give up a position or responsibility, often used in the context of royalty or high-powered positions.
• Relinquish: To willingly give up a position or responsibility, often after a considered decision.
• Forsake: To abandon or leave a position entirely, usually implying a sense of disloyalty or desertion.
• Exit: To leave a position or role, often in a formal or official capacity.
• Discontinue: To stop performing a role or job, often implying a permanent cessation.
• Terminate: To bring to an end a job or role, often due to external factors or decisions.

Examples in Context

Using re-sign and resign correctly in sentences is crucial for clarity. Here are some examples to illustrate their usage.

Examples of Re-sign

• The software developer chose to re-sign her employment contract after successful salary negotiations.
• The basketball player decided to re-sign with his original team after exploring offers from other teams.
• After a successful first year of business, the store owner decided to re-sign the lease agreement for another year.
• The teacher decided to re-sign her contract with the school, committing to teach for another academic year.
• After considering other options, the tenant chose to re-sign his rental agreement due to the apartment’s convenient location.
• The freelance writer decided to re-sign the agreement with the publisher for another book.
• The CEO chose to re-sign the partnership agreement, ensuring the continued collaboration between the two companies.
• The actor decided to re-sign the contract with the production house, confirming his role in the upcoming sequel.
• After successful renegotiation of terms, the musician decided to re-sign her record deal.
• The footballer decided to re-sign his contract with the club after the team won the championship.
• After a successful internship, the graduate was thrilled to re-sign a full-time employment agreement with the company.
• The artist decided to re-sign the gallery contract, ensuring his artworks would be displayed for another season.

Examples of Resign

• The director decided to resign from the board after a disagreement on the company’s strategic direction.
• The president of the club chose to resign due to personal reasons and handed over responsibilities to the vice president.
• The chef decided to resign from the restaurant after receiving an offer from a famous culinary school.
• After years of dedicated service, the librarian chose to resign and enjoy her retirement.
• The sales executive submitted his decision to resign after accepting a higher position at a competing firm.
• The coach decided to resign after the team’s consecutive losses in the season.
• The teacher chose to resign mid-term due to a family emergency that required her full attention.
• The CEO announced his decision to resign at the annual general meeting, surprising all the shareholders.
• After a decade of service, the nurse decided to resign to pursue her passion for travel writing.
• The engineer chose to resign from the tech company, citing the need for a better work-life balance.
• The diplomat decided to resign from his position due to political disagreements with the government.
• The news anchor submitted her decision to resign after being offered a prime-time slot at a rival network.

Etymology of “Re-sign” and “Resign”

The term “re-sign” is a compound word consisting of two distinct elements: the prefix ‘re-‘ and the root word ‘sign’.

Etymology of “Re-sign”

The prefix ‘re-‘ is of Latin origin and is used in English to form verbs that denote the repetition or recurrence of an action. Therefore, ‘re-‘ typically means ‘again’ or ‘back’. The second part, ‘sign’, is derived from the Latin verb ‘signare’, which means ‘to mark’. 

When you combine the two, “re-sign” literally means ‘to sign again’. This term is commonly used when referring to the act of signing a document or contract for a second time or more, often to renew or extend its terms. In its modern usage, “re-sign” is often used in a legal or professional context to denote the continuation or renewal of a contractual agreement.

Etymology of “Resign”

The word “resign” has a rich and interesting history that traces back to Latin roots.

The term “resign” is derived from the Latin ‘resignare’ which means ‘to unseal, annul, cancel, give back, give up’. This Latin verb is a combination of the prefix ‘re-‘, which implies ‘back’ or ‘again’, and ‘signare’, meaning ‘to mark’. However, in the context of ‘resignare’, the ‘re-‘ prefix acts as an intensifier rather than implying repetition.

The term entered the English language during the 14th century, initially used to convey the sense of ‘give up or surrender’. By the 16th century, the term evolved to represent the formal act of giving up an office, position, or duty, which aligns with its most common usage today. 

FAQ” S

What’s the main difference between re-sign and resign? 

Re-sign refers to signing an agreement again, often implying contract renewal or commitment. Resign, on the other hand, means leaving a job or position.

Why is the hyphen important in re-sign? 

The hyphen in re-sign differentiates it from resign. It indicates the action of signing something again, not leaving a job.

Can re-sign and resign be used interchangeably? 

No, re-sign and resign have very different meanings and cannot be used interchangeably.

What are some synonyms for re-sign and resign? 

Synonyms for re-sign include renew, extend, and recommit. Synonyms for resign include quit, depart, and withdraw.

What’s the best way to remember the difference between re-sign and resign? 

Remember that re-sign (with a hyphen) means to sign again, and resign (without a hyphen) means to quit or leave a job.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between re-sign and resign is crucial for clear and effective communication. Misusing these terms can lead to significant misunderstandings, particularly in professional settings. So, always ensure you’re using the correct term to convey your intentions accurately.