What does reassume mean?
Reassume is a formal verb meaning to take on or accept something again. It is particularly associated with returning to an official role, responsibility, or duty, as in “reassume command,” and it can also describe regaining possession or control after an interruption. The word is related to resume, but reassume often gives greater emphasis to deliberately taking up a role or responsibility again. It is less common than resume in ordinary conversation, yet useful in legal, governmental, institutional, and formal writing. In these contexts, it conveys the idea of restoring a previous status or continuing an interrupted course of action. The prefix re- indicates repetition, while assume means to take upon oneself. Reassume is therefore especially appropriate when a person or organization returns to a position or when an earlier status or responsibility is deliberately taken up once more.
verbTo take on or accept again, especially a position, responsibility, or form. It can also mean to resume possession or control of something.
- To take on or accept again, especially a position, responsibility, or role.
- To resume possession, control, or activity after an interruption.
"After the interruption, the chair reassumed the meeting."
"The governor reassumed her duties following the trial."
"The team reassumed possession of the lead in the second half."
"The committee reassumed the discussion when the meeting resumed."
The word literally means “take upon yourself again,” making it especially apt for the moment someone returns to a role or regains control.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reassume come from?
Reassume was formed in English by combining the Latin-derived prefix re-, meaning “again,” with assume. Assume itself comes from Latin assumere, formed from ad-, meaning “to,” and sumere, meaning “to take.” The same broad Latin root appears in words such as presume, consume, and resume.
Related word forms
How reassume is actually used
Relatively formal and uncommon in everyday speech. It is most often used in contexts involving official duties, control, responsibility, or the resumption of an activity.