What does retake mean?
Retake means to take or regain something again. The word is especially common in education, where a candidate may retake an examination or test, and in photography, where someone may retake a photograph to improve it or correct a problem. In sport, politics, and competition, it can mean recovering a position, such as regaining the lead or winning a title back from an opponent. As a noun, a retake is the act of taking something again; for example, a film director may call for a retake when a scene needs to be recorded again. The word combines the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with take. Although retake often implies that the original attempt did not succeed, it can also be used neutrally when an event simply needs to be repeated.
To take or undertake something again, especially an exam, test, photograph, or performance.
"He decided to retake the driving test."
Often used when a previous attempt was unsuccessful, invalid, or unsatisfactory.
To regain possession, control, or a position after it has been lost.
"The team retook the lead in the final minutes."
Common in competitive, political, and military contexts.
An act of taking or doing something again.
"The photograph required a retake because her eyes were closed."
Usually countable; the plural is retakes.
The plural is used for separate acts of taking or doing something again.
"The crew completed several retakes before the scene was finished."
A retake can give you a second attempt at an exam, a photograph, or even control of a situation that seemed lost.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does retake come from?
Retake is formed in English by combining the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with the verb take. Its development reflects the long-standing English practice of forming new verbs with re- to indicate repetition or reversal. The word is related to other forms built on the Germanic root of take, including undertaking, mistake, intake, and takeaway.
Related word forms
How retake is actually used
The word is common in educational, photographic, sporting, and political contexts. It is generally neutral, though it may imply that the first attempt was unsuccessful, invalid, or interrupted.
Easily confused with retake
A retake is something taken again, while a remake is something made again, often a film, song, or other work.
To retake is to take something again, whereas to retaliate is to respond harmfully to an earlier action.