What does reexamination mean?
Reexamination means examining something again, usually because earlier results, conclusions, or circumstances may need to be reconsidered. The term is common in academic, legal, medical, and investigative writing, where a second review may test the reliability of an earlier examination. A reexamination can involve fresh evidence, a closer reading of the same material, or a formal inspection. For example, a court may order a reexamination of a witness, while researchers may conduct a reexamination of a study’s methods. Although “reexamination” closely resembles “examination,” it specifically emphasizes renewal or reconsideration. It is also related to the verb “reexamine,” which means to examine again.
nounThe act of examining something again, especially in order to reconsider or verify an earlier conclusion, assessment, or investigation.
- The act of examining or investigating something again, typically to reconsider an earlier conclusion or obtain further understanding.
"The committee ordered a reexamination of the evidence before publishing its findings."
"The new evidence prompted a reexamination of the original theory."
"The witness underwent a careful reexamination by the defense."
The plural is used when referring to multiple renewed examinations or reviews.
"Several reexaminations of the original conclusions led to revisions."
Reexamination puts the power of a second look to work: a decision, diagnosis, or theory can survive scrutiny only if it holds up under fresh scrutiny.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reexamination come from?
Reexamination is formed by combining the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with examination. “Examination” comes from Latin examinatio, a noun derived from examinare, “to examine, investigate, or test.” The same Latin root underlies words such as examine, examiner, and examinable. In modern English, reexamination has developed as a formal noun for the act of examining something again.
Related word forms
How reexamination is actually used
The word is formal and is especially common in legal, academic, medical, and investigative contexts. It often implies that the earlier examination or conclusion is being reconsidered rather than merely repeated.
Easily confused with reexamination
An examination is an initial or standard inspection, test, or assessment, whereas a reexamination is a second or renewed examination of the same subject.