Reordain is a rare word that refers to the act of ordaining someone again. The phonetic transcription of this word is /riː.ɔːˈdeɪn/, which can be broken down into four syllables: "ree" pronounced as /riː/, "aw" as /ɔː/, "day" as /deɪ/ and "in" as /ɪn/. It follows the standard English spelling rules, with the exception of the letter combination "ai", which usually sounds like /eɪ/ in English. However, in this case, it is pronounced as /ɔː/.
Reordain is a transitive verb that has its roots in the late Middle English language. The term is derived from the combination of the Latin prefix "re-" meaning "again" or "back" and the word "ordain" which means to officially establish or confer authority upon something or someone, particularly within a religious or ceremonial context.
To reordain, therefore, is to formalize or renew the ordination, appointment, or consecration of an individual to a position of authority or holy office, especially within a religious institution. This act of reordaining often occurs when someone who was previously ordained has undergone a period of lapsed recognition or has had their authority revoked but subsequently seeks to regain it.
Reordaining can also refer to the reinstatement or affirmation of an existing appointment or consecration, symbolizing a renewal of commitment or reaffirmation of one's duties and responsibilities. Beyond religious contexts, the term can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe the act of reaffirming or reestablishing authority, power, or status in any domain.
Overall, the term "reordain" encompasses the concept of reestablishing or renewing the official appointment or consecration of someone to a position of authority, often with a primary emphasis on religious or ceremonial contexts.
To ordain again.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word reordain originated from the combination of two roots: re- and ordain.
- Re- is a prefix in English that indicates repetition or returning to a previous state.
- Ordain has its roots in the Latin word ordinare, which means to order or to arrange. It came into English through Old French.
So, when these two roots are combined, reordain carries the meaning of to ordain again, to appoint again, or to confer holy orders again.