What does redo mean?
Redo is a verb meaning to perform something again, usually because the original attempt contained an error, fell short of expectations, or needs to be improved. It is particularly common in work, study, design, construction, and problem-solving contexts: a writer may redo a paragraph, a builder may redo faulty wiring, or a student may redo a calculation. The word is often more specific than repeat because it suggests a fresh version replacing or correcting an earlier attempt. It can also mean simply make another attempt, though that sense is less common. Redo is widely used in British and American English and has an informal, straightforward tone. Its past tense and past participle are redone, while the present participle is redoing.
verbTo do or perform something again, usually because it was done incorrectly, inadequately, or needs improvement. It can also refer to making a fresh attempt at a task.
- To perform or undertake an action again, especially because the first attempt was incorrect, incomplete, or unsatisfactory.
- To make a new attempt at completing a task or achieving an outcome.
"We had to redo the calculations after discovering a mistake in the original figures."
"The designer had to redo the layout after the client requested a larger logo."
"If the interview goes badly, you rarely get a chance to redo it."
Redo is the useful verb for giving something a second chance without starting the entire project from scratch.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redo come from?
Redo is an English formation combining the prefix re-, meaning again, with the verb do. The prefix re- was borrowed into English from Latin, where re- means back or again, while do comes from Old English dōn, meaning perform or carry out. The resulting word developed the meaning of performing an action a second time, especially in response to an earlier unsuccessful attempt.
Related word forms
How redo is actually used
Redo is common in formal and informal contexts. It often implies that the first attempt was flawed, though it can simply mean making another attempt. The past participle is redone, and the third-person singular is redoes.
Easily confused with redo
Redo suggests doing something again because it needs correcting or improving, whereas repeat can mean doing or saying the same thing a second time without implying fault.
Redo means performing the task again, while repair means fixing damage or making something serviceable, often without repeating the whole process.