The spelling of the word "retally" is formed by adding the prefix "re-" to the word "tally". The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /riːˈtæli/, with stress on the second syllable. The sound /ri/ is pronounced like the word "ree", followed by the short "a" sound in /tæ/ and the long "i" sound in /li/. The word "retally" means to recount or add up again, typically for accuracy or confirmation.
Retally is a verb that is formed by adding the prefix "re-" before the word "tally". It refers to the act of counting or calculating again in order to verify or confirm a previous count or calculation. When something needs to be retallied, it means that the initial tally is being reviewed and recounted to ensure accuracy or to correct any previous errors.
Retallying is commonly performed in various contexts, such as in financial or accounting settings where accuracy is paramount. It enables individuals or organizations to ensure that their financial records are precise and without mistakes. For example, if there is suspicion of a miscalculation in an expenditure sheet, one may opt to retally all the numbers to ascertain the accuracy of the calculations. This process involves revisiting the initial figures and recalculating them to confirm or identify any discrepancies.
The term extends beyond financial or numerical calculations. It can also apply to the recounting of votes during an election or the reassessment of scores in a competition or game to resolve any potential disputes or uncertainties. Retallying allows for confidence in the final results and ensures that fairness and accuracy are upheld.
In summary, retally is a verb that describes the action of recounting, reassessing, or recalculating something to verify its accuracy, particularly in the domains of finance, voting, or scoring.
The word "retally" does not have a distinct etymology. It is a combination of the prefix "re-" meaning "again" or "back" and the word "tally" which originally comes from the Middle English "talye" meaning "a stick used for counting or recording". Over time, "tally" has evolved to refer to a record or count of something. By adding the prefix "re-", it forms the verb "retally", which means to count or calculate again. However, it is important to note that "retally" is not a commonly used word in contemporary English.