WordGarden.ioretie
C2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˌriːˈtaɪ/
Meanings
Verb
to tie or fasten again
Beyond the definition
Sometimes things come undone. To retie means to tie something again after it has come loose or been untied. You might retie your shoelaces during a run, or retie a bag after it starts to open. The idea is simple: it was tied before, and now it needs to be secured again.
The word is formed by adding the prefix "re-" (meaning "again") to the verb "tie." People usually use it for everyday things like laces, ropes, ribbons, or knots. It often suggests a quick, practical action to make something secure again.
To retie means to tie something again, usually because it has come loose, been undone, or needs to be fixed. It clearly suggests that the thing was tied before. For example: "After his shoelace came undone, he stopped to retie it." You can also say, "She had to retie the ribbon around the box," or "They retied the rope to make it hold better."
The word is built from the prefix "re-" (meaning "again") and the verb "tie." Most of the time, it is used in a literal way for shoelaces, ropes, strings, ribbons, bows, and knots. In these cases, retie describes a repeated action that restores order or keeps something in place.
In some contexts, the word can also be used more loosely. A person might talk about trying to retie a bandage or retie plants to a support after wind has moved them. The common idea stays the same: something that was fastened before needs to be fastened again.
Overall, retie is a plain, useful word for everyday moments when something slips loose and needs another knot. It carries a sense of repair and care, but it is usually practical rather than dramatic.
Examples
- 1
Clothing
I stopped on the stairs to retie my shoelace.
- 2
Medical care
The nurse retied the bandage after it started to come loose.
- 3
Polite request
Could you retie the bag so nothing falls out?
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- retieverb