again
adverb
UK/əˈɡen/US/əˈɡen/
once more; another time
Example Sentences
Could you please say that again?
I'd like to watch that film again.
It's really nice seeing you again.
The restaurant is open again after the renovation.
Once again, please remember to lock the door before leaving.
He practiced the song again in hopes of perfecting it for the recital.
The concert was so captivating that the crowd immediately requested an encore, hoping to hear the band perform their hit song again.
Due to unexpected circumstances, the workshop had to be postponed yet again, causing the participants to shuffle their schedules a second time.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Means once more or returning to a prior state or actionUse this adverb to express repetition or a return to a previous state or action. For instance, you might say, “Could you explain that again?” if you need clarification, or “I’d love to visit that place again!” to express the desire to revisit a location. It’s equally useful in polite requests: “Please tell me again so I don’t forget.” Whether in casual speech or formal writing, it helps clarify that something is being repeated, revisited, or reasserted. When writing, place it carefully to avoid monotony. In conversation, it shows courtesy and ensures you understood what was said or that you truly want to repeat an experience. Remember, using this adverb effectively can enhance clarity and reinforce your message.
Alternatives
Possible synonyms include “once more,” “anew,” or phrases like “do over.” “Once more” closely mirrors the meaning, while “anew” implies a fresh start. “Do over” often focuses on correcting or redoing something. Choose the one that best suits your context. These alternatives can bring variety to your writing or speech, preventing overuse of a single term. However, each option has a slightly different tone, so pick carefully depending on formality, emphasis, and the nature of the repetition. In everyday conversation, “once more” maintains a relaxed feel; “anew” sounds more formal and poetic; “do over” is casual and often implies starting from scratch.
Writing
In writing, this adverb helps highlight repeated points or clarify that you’re returning to a topic. It’s especially useful when summarizing or emphasizing critical information. Still, use it sparingly to avoid redundancy. Strong writing often calls for varying language to keep readers engaged. When necessary, consider synonyms or restructuring sentences to maintain clarity without overusing the same term. By balancing repetition with variety, you ensure your writing remains both coherent and concise.
Casual Conversation
In everyday speech, this term is handy for repeating requests, clarifying information, or revisiting experiences. For example, you might say, “Could you say that again?” when you didn’t catch someone’s words or “I’d like to try that again!” when referring to an enjoyable activity. Using it can make conversations more polite and clear, showing that you value the information or experience enough to repeat it. Just be mindful not to rely on it too heavily, as variety in language helps your speech remain fresh and engaging.
Etymology
Stemming from the Old English “ongeagn,” meaning “back against” or “toward,” the word transformed through Middle English forms like “ayein” or “agayn” before settling as “again” by the 16th century. Its core meaning has stayed consistent—conveying the idea of returning or repeating an action. This continuity underlines how fundamental concepts in language often endure, even as spellings and pronunciations evolve over centuries.