What does redoubling mean?
Redoubling names the process of making something greater through a second doubling or a more emphatic repetition. It is most familiar in expressions such as “redoubling efforts,” meaning increasing the amount of energy or attention applied to a task. In linguistics, redoubling describes the repetition of a consonant or syllable within a word, as in certain forms of Italian and in reconstructed or inherited forms of English words. The term can also refer to a sound or effect becoming stronger through repetition. Its associations are largely formal, and it conveys emphasis and reinforcement rather than simply numerical duplication. Though less common than “doubling,” redoubling is useful because it specifically suggests either intensified repetition or the linguistic repetition of a sound within a word.
The act or process of doubling something, or of making an effort, sound, or effect greater in intensity.
"The club marked its return to form by redoubling its training schedule."
Often used with “efforts,” “effort,” or other terms denoting action or intensity. In linguistics, it refers specifically to repetition of a consonant or syllable.
Increasing in intensity, degree, or emphasis through repetition.
"The redoubling efforts finally produced a decisive result."
This is a participial adjectival use and is less common than the noun.
Redoubling turns one repetition into a more emphatic one: think of the doubled consonant in Italian’s “pelle,” derived from Latin pellis.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of redoubling
The word is formed from the prefix re-, meaning “again,” and the stem double. The verb double ultimately comes through Old French doubler from Latin duplare, a derivative of duplus, meaning “double.” Redoubling therefore literally conveys a second doubling or a more forceful repetition.
Related word forms
How redoubling is actually used
The word is formal and relatively uncommon in general use. It is especially used in rhetoric, phonetics, phonology, and discussions of repeated or intensified action.