reread

Reread is the act of reading a text again after an initial reading. It is used across literature, education, and research to gain different understandings, correct misreadings, or increase retention. The term comes from the prefix re- and the verb read.

In literature, rereading helps identify foreshadowing, thematic development, and stylistic devices that may have gone unnoticed, and can shift interpretation or deepen emotional engagement.

In education or language learning, rereading reinforces comprehension and vocabulary, aids retention, and supports critical analysis. It is commonly used for exam preparation, annotation, and close reading.

In research or scholarly work, rereading sources ensures understanding of arguments and evidence; researchers may revisit texts after consulting secondary literature.

Techniques include deliberate, slow rereading, note-taking or marginalia, and moving between surface meaning, structure, and subtext.

Benefits include improved recall, greater clarity, and more nuanced interpretations, though returns may diminish with repeated reads and depend on text complexity and reader goals.

Digital tools facilitate rereading through bookmarks, highlights, and searchable archives; some readers maintain dedicated reading journals to track insights.

Rereading is not simply redundancy; when purposeful, it can expand understanding or enjoyment by revealing layers not evident on first exposure.