The Re- Prefix Is One of English's Most Productive
A refill replaces what has been used. The prefix re- attaches to almost any verb and remains fully productive.
A refill is a fresh supply replacing what has been used. The prefix *re-* is among the most productive in English: it attaches freely to almost any verb, and speakers coin new forms constantly without noticing. It usually means again or back, though in some inherited Latin words the sense has faded entirely, as in *research* and *receive*.
- A fresh supply. *A pen refill.*
- To fill again. *Refill the glass.*
- A repeat prescription (American). *A refill on the prescription.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | refill | A free refill. |
| Plural | refills | Two refills. |
| Verb | refill | Refill the tank. |
| Related | replenish | Replenish supplies. |
| Related | recharge | Recharge the battery. |
How it is used in a sentence
- Free refills are an American convention.Rare in Britain.
- Re- attaches to almost any verb.And speakers coin new forms freely.
- Recover and re-cover differ.The hyphen changes the meaning.
When re- needs a hyphen
- re-cover — to cover again, unlike recover
- re-form — to form again, unlike reform
- re-sign — to sign again, unlike resign
- re-create — to create again, unlike recreate
- Rule — hyphenate when the unhyphenated form means something else
From *re-*, a Latin prefix meaning back or again, plus *fill*, from Old English *fyllan*.
When does re- take a hyphen?
When the unhyphenated form already means something different, as with re-cover and recover, or re-sign and resign.
Does re- always mean again?
No. In many inherited Latin words the sense has faded, as in receive, research and remain.