What does reexamine mean?
Reexamine means to examine or investigate something a second time, often because new evidence has emerged or earlier conclusions deserve reconsideration. The verb is common in formal contexts such as academic research, law, journalism, public inquiries, and institutional decision-making. Unlike simply examining something again, reexamine often suggests that the earlier interpretation may need to be tested, revised, or confirmed. It can apply to material evidence, as in reexamining a crime scene, and to ideas or decisions, as in reexamining a policy or judgment. The word conveys careful reconsideration rather than haste or superficial review. Its prefix re- clearly marks repetition, while examine supplies the sense of close inspection and analysis. Although frequently written as one word, “re-examine” is also accepted and may appear in formal or editorial usage.
verbTo examine or investigate something again, especially in order to reconsider previous findings, assumptions, or conclusions.
- To examine or investigate something again.
- To reconsider previous findings, assumptions, conclusions, or decisions in light of new evidence or further thought.
"The committee agreed to reexamine the evidence before reaching a final decision."
"Researchers returned to the site to reexamine the evidence discovered several years earlier."
"After reviewing the criticism, the judge agreed to reexamine the ruling."
To reexamine is to give a familiar subject a second look—sometimes that second look changes everything.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reexamine come from?
Reexamine combines the Latin prefix re-, meaning “again,” with examine, a verb borrowed from Latin examinare, itself based on examinare, “to weigh or test.” Reexamine therefore means to examine again or test a previous conclusion afresh. Its closest English cognates include examine, examination, and examiner, all sharing the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How reexamine is actually used
The word is formal and neutral. It is commonly used in academic, legal, scientific, and institutional contexts, where it implies a deliberate second review rather than a casual glance.
Easily confused with reexamine
Examine means to inspect or investigate something, while reexamine means to do so again or reconsider it after further consideration.
Reexamine focuses on looking at or investigating something again, whereas reevaluate focuses specifically on reassessing its value, effectiveness, or significance.