What does redound mean?
Redound is a rare English verb with two related but distinct uses. Its older and most literal sense is to sound again, as an echo does when a voice or noise is reflected from a wall, cliff, or other surface. In more formal writing, redound can also describe the way a rumor, allegation, or piece of news spreads and is repeated among people. The word is more often encountered in literature, historical prose, or formal journalism than in everyday conversation. It should not be confused with resound, although the two are closely related: resound commonly emphasizes a loud ringing or echoing sound, while redound is more likely to suggest repetition or the circulation of information. Because it sounds formal and uncommon, redound can add a literary or slightly dramatic tone to a sentence.
To sound again, especially as an echo or reverberation.
"The thunder redounded across the valley."
Chiefly literary or archaic in modern English.
To report, repeat, or spread news, especially a rumor or allegation.
"The accusation redounded through the department."
A formal and relatively uncommon sense, used especially in writing.
A rare word that can make a sound echo through a hall or make a rumor echo through a community.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redound come from?
Redound is an English verb built on the same root as sound, with the prefix re- suggesting repetition or return. Its echo-related sense is historically associated with the idea of a sound being returned or repeated. In modern formal English, it developed the additional sense of reporting or circulating information, particularly a rumor or allegation. The related word resound follows the same broad re- plus sound pattern and is much more common in contemporary usage.
Related word forms
How redound is actually used
Redound is uncommon in contemporary English and has a formal, literary, or archaic tone. The sense of spreading news or rumor is especially associated with formal writing.
Easily confused with redound
Resound usually means to ring or echo loudly, whereas redound is a rarer word that can mean to echo or, especially in formal writing, to report or circulate news.