Meaning
The word “rerun” functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to an act of repeating something, such as rebroadcasting a TV show or reprinting a book. As a verb, it means to run or perform something again, like replaying a program or executing a computer task repeatedly.
Pronunciation
In British English, the noun is pronounced /ˈɹiːɹʌn/ (REE-run) with primary stress on the first syllable. The verb is /ɹiːˈɹʌn/ (ree-RUN) with stress on the second syllable. In American English, the noun is /ˈɹiɹʌn/ and the verb /ɹiˈɹʌn/, with similar stress patterns. It rhymes with words like “un” or “fun.”
Morphology
“Rerun” is formed by prefixing “re-” (meaning again) to the verb “run.” The past tense of the verb is “reran,” and the past participle is “rerun.” Alternative spelling: “re-run” with a hyphen, especially in British English.
Grammar Notes
As a verb, “rerun” is transitive (taking an object, e.g., “rerun the program”) and sometimes intransitive (e.g., “The show will rerun next week”). The third-person singular is “reruns,” present participle “rerunning.” No irregular forms beyond the past “reran.”
Etymology
Originating in the mid-20th century from “re-” + “run,” it gained popularity with the rise of television in the 1950s, describing repeated broadcasts.
Usage as Noun
- An instance of repeating an event or process.
- (US) A TV program aired again after its debut, often weeks later (synonym: repeat).
- A reprint of a publication.
- (Politics) A candidate with similar views to a predecessor.
- (Computing) A second execution of a program.
Usage as Verb
- To run again or repeat (transitive).
- To rebroadcast a TV show.
- To replay a contest or race.
- To execute a computer program again.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms: replay, repeat, rebroadcast (verb); repeat, replay, reissue (noun). Antonyms: premiere, debut (for first airing); original (for initial run). Common combinations: “rerun a show,” “summer rerun,” “rerun the simulation.”
Sentence Examples
- Simple: They will rerun the episode tonight.
- Medium: After the error, the team decided to rerun the entire experiment from scratch.
- Complex: Although the original broadcast had low ratings, the network chose to rerun the controversial episode during prime time, hoping to spark renewed debate among viewers.
Interesting Facts
“Rerun” became a staple in TV lingo post-WWII, with syndication allowing shows like I Love Lucy to rerun for decades, generating massive reruns revenue. In computing, it highlights iterative processes, like debugging code.
Cultural or Contextual Features
In American pop culture, reruns evoke nostalgia, with channels like TV Land dedicated to them. They save production costs but can oversaturate markets. In politics, a “rerun” candidate might face voter fatigue.
Tips for Learning
Associate “rerun” with TV marathons—visualize hitting “play” again on your remote. Break it down: “re-” for repetition, “run” for action. Practice by noting reruns in your streaming queue to reinforce usage.
Mini-Tasks
- Make a sentence: Use “rerun” in a sentence about your favorite TV show.
- Find a synonym: List two synonyms for “rerun” as a noun and explain their differences.
- Contextual use: Describe a situation where a computer program needs to be rerun.