Words can be tricky. Sometimes, a single hyphen changes everything. One small dash can completely alter meaning, tone, and intent. That’s the case with “re-sign” and “resign”.
Although they share the same letters, their meanings are worlds apart and in professional communication, this subtlety matters.
This article will help you confidently navigate re-sign vs resign, exploring spelling, pronunciation, definitions, Latin roots, and usage in real-world settings. We’ll also show you how to avoid miscommunication in job-related documents like a contract, an agreement, or a letter of resignation.
The Basics: Re-sign vs Resign
Let’s begin by understanding the difference between resign and re-sign.
- Re-sign (with a hyphen) means to sign again, often referring to renewing a contract or agreement.
- Resign (without the hyphen) means to quit, step down, or leave a role usually in a professional context.
These are homophones, meaning they sound the same when spoken but have different meanings and spellings. That’s why knowing the correct spelling is critical to professional clarity.
Re-sign Meaning and Usage
Re-sign comes from the Latin prefix: “re-“, meaning again, combined with the verb sign, meaning “to mark or to make official.”
Origin and Etymology
- Latin root: “signare” – to mark or sign
- Latin prefix: “re-“ – again
- Together: “re-sign” means to sign again
Common Contexts
- Contract renewal
- Agreement extension
- Recommitment to a role or team
Re-signing in Action
Here’s how re-signing might appear in real life:
Subject: Confirmation of Contract Renewal
Hi Amanda,
I’m pleased to confirm that you’ve chosen to re-sign your contract with our agency for another year. We truly appreciate your continued commitment to the team.
Please review the attached document, and let us know if you have any questions.
Best, Michael Jennings
HR Manager
Re-signing Contract Examples
- A CEO chooses to re-sign a three-year contract.
- A volunteer decides to re-sign for another term on the committee.
- An executive agrees to sign a contract again after a successful negotiation.
Resign Definition and Usage
To resign means to quit, step down, or withdraw from a job position, role, or duty. It’s often used in formal business contexts and is associated with leaving a position voluntarily.
Origin and Etymology
- Latin: “resignare” – to unseal, give up
- Old French: “resigner” – to relinquish or yield
The word implies a conscious choice to relinquish authority or vacate a position.
Common Contexts
- Employee resignation
- Formal resignation letter
- Role withdrawal terminology
Resigning in Action
Here’s an example of how you’d use resign in a professional email:
Subject: Formal Resignation
Dear Thomas,
Please accept this email as my formal notice to resign from my position as Senior Analyst. My last working day will be September 15.
I appreciate the opportunities for growth over the past three years.
Sincerely,
Jamie Rivera
Voluntary Job Resignation Examples
- A manager decides to resign due to relocation.
- An employee submits a letter of resignation to pursue higher education.
- A committee member formally resigns to focus on other commitments.
Re-signed or Resigned? Context is Everything
Knowing whether to use re-signed or resigned depends entirely on the sentence’s contextual meaning.
| Sentence | Correct Usage | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| She resigned from the board. | Resigned | She quit or stepped down. |
| He re-signed the agreement last week. | Re-signed | He signed again. |
| They re signed the contract after negotiations. | Re-signed | Needs a hyphen to clarify it means “signed again.” |
| I will resign if my proposal isn’t approved. | Resign | Indicates intent to vacate the role. |
The Importance of the Hyphen
The hyphen in re-sign is more than a punctuation mark it’s essential for clarity. Omitting it can lead to serious miscommunication risks.
Hyphen Usage in English Writing
According to standard hyphenation rules, a hyphen is used to:
- Avoid ambiguity
- Clarify word formation involving prefixes
- Distinguish between homonyms
Professional Communication Clarity
Using Re-sign with a hyphen ensures your audience knows you’re referring to a renewal, not a resignation.
Re Sign or Resign? Avoid Ambiguity
The unhyphenated “re sign” is incorrect and may confuse readers. Always use the hyphen when the meaning is to sign again.
Incorrect: I plan to re sign my contract tomorrow.
Correct: I plan to re-sign my contract tomorrow.
Incorrect: She re signed the lease.
Correct: She re-signed the lease.
This demonstrates why hyphen usage in English writing matters.
Homophones in English and Word Ambiguity
Resign vs re-sign is a great example of homophones in English causing lexical confusion. Because the words are pronounced identically, you must rely on:
- Spelling cues
- Hyphenation
- Grammar context
Another famous confusion? Resume vs resign both deal with professional terms, but are completely different in use and meaning.
Spelling and Pronunciation Tips
- Re-sign: Pronounced /ˌriːˈsaɪn/, with a stress on “re” and a pause between syllables. Think: “sign again”.
- Resign: Pronounced /rɪˈzaɪn/, with a stress on the second syllable.
A pause and pitch difference help separate the two when spoken, but spelling and hyphenation remain the most reliable indicators.
Key Grammar Rules and Word Formation
Let’s break down the English grammar hyphen rules that apply:
- When using the prefix re- before a word starting with a consonant, use a hyphen to avoid ambiguity.
- If re- means “again,” and the base word starts with an “s” (like “sign”), use a hyphen to make the meaning clear: re-sign vs resign.
Word Roots and Construction
- Re-sign = Latin “re-“ (again) + “signare” (to mark)
- Resign = Latin “resignare” (to unseal) > Old French “resigner”
Clear Writing in Professional Settings
When drafting any professional communication—a document, letter of resignation, job offer, or agreement make sure you’re choosing the correct form.
Examples in Context
Resign:
After months of reflection, the employee chose to resign and move abroad.
Re-sign:
The manager was thrilled when her top employee re-signed for another year.
When to Use Resign or Re-sign
Use resign when referring to:
- Leaving a job or committee
- Voluntary departure
- Formal termination of responsibilities
Use re-sign when referring to:
- Renewing a contract
- Recommitting to a role or team
- Extending professional engagement
Contract Renewal vs Resignation
Let’s contrast them directly:
| Topic | Re-sign | Resign |
| Meaning | Sign again | Step down, quit |
| Usage | Contract extension | Formal withdrawal |
| Example | CEO re-signed | Manager resigned |
| Related Terms | Affirm, renew, recommit | Vacate, relinquish, depart |
Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Word, Avoid Confusion
Whether you’re a CEO, an employee, or a volunteer, mastering the use of resign vs re-sign can save you from embarrassing errors and costly miscommunication risks.
Remember:
- Use re-sign when you sign again.
- Use resign when you quit or leave.
- Always check spelling, use a hyphen where needed, and consider the contextual meaning.
- Refer back to their Latin origins—signare and resignare—to remember what they mean.
