The spelling of the word "retell" can be a little tricky. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /riːˈtɛl/. The initial "re-" is pronounced as "ree," followed by a short "e" sound in the second syllable. The final "ll" is pronounced with a clear "l" sound, indicating that the word is not spelled "rete." Despite its tricky spelling, "retell" is a useful word, meaning to tell a story or information again or in a different way.
Retell is a verb that refers to the act of narrating or recounting a story or event that has already occurred. When someone retells a story, they are summarizing or repeating it in their own words, often with the objective of conveying the main points or events. This process involves taking an existing narrative and presenting it again, sometimes with minor modifications or additions based on personal interpretation or emphasis.
Retelling can occur in a variety of contexts, including education, literature, or casual conversation. In education, teachers often assign retelling activities to students as a means of assessing their comprehension and understanding of a particular text or topic. By retelling a story or explaining an event in their own words, individuals demonstrate their ability to grasp and articulate the central ideas, characters, and plot elements.
In literature, retelling may involve adapting or reimagining a classic tale or legend in a new form or setting. This can serve as a creative approach to explore alternative perspectives or update the narrative for a contemporary audience. Additionally, retelling can be used as a technique in storytelling, where a storyteller takes a familiar story and delivers it in a way that is more engaging or tailored to their audience.
Overall, retelling is the process of conveying or reproducing a story or event in one's own words, allowing for interpretation, modification, or adaptation depending on the purpose and context of the retelling.
To tell again.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "retell" originated from the combination of two Old English words: "re-" and "tell".
The prefix "re-" in this context means "again" or "back". It is derived from the Old English word "rǣ-", which signifies repetition or backwards movement.
The word "tell" is also traced back to Old English, where it was spelled "tellan" and meant "to recount", "to narrate", or "to relate".
By combining these two elements, "re-" and "tell", the word "retell" was formed, which means to tell or narrate again, to repeat a story or an account.