Misusing the words Re-sign Vs Resign can be more than just embarrassing—it can completely change the meaning of what you’re trying to say. One tiny hyphen is all that separates these two words, but that small mark creates two entirely opposite meanings.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to confidently choose between re-sign or resign, understand their pronunciation, spelling, and meanings, and avoid common grammar mistakes. If you’ve ever been confused about whether someone stayed in a job or quit it—this article is for you.
Quick Summary:
The words re-sign vs resign may look similar, but they mean the opposite. Re-sign (with a hyphen) means to sign again, like renewing a contract. Resign means to quit or leave a job or position. This guide explains their meanings, pronunciation, usage, grammar rules, and common mistakes—helping you use each correctly and confidently.
Why Are Re-sign vs Resign Often Confused?
There’s a good reason people often mix up Re-sign Vs Resign. Both words use the same base: sign. But add or remove a hyphen, and suddenly you’re either staying or quitting. It’s a classic example of how punctuation changes everything in English.
Reasons for confusion:
- Spelling is nearly identical
- Pronunciation differs only slightly
- Context isn’t always clear in writing
- Auto-correct tools often ignore the hyphen
Understanding the distinction between them is vital in legal documents, job contracts, and everyday business communication.
What Does Re-sign Mean?
The word re-sign means to sign something again, typically a contract or agreement. It’s often used when someone extends their commitment—like an athlete staying with a team or an employee renewing a job contract.
Common use cases:
- Athletes who re-sign with a team
- Employees renewing their job contract
- Landlords offering lease renewals
- Vendors reaffirming service agreements
Example:
“The manager decided to re-sign the agreement for another year.”
Grammar Tip:
Always hyphenate re-sign. Without the hyphen, it becomes “resign,” which means something completely different.
What Does Resign Mean?
The word resign means to quit or step down from a job, position, or role. It’s often used in formal, professional, or political settings.
Examples of resigning:
- An employee quits their job
- A CEO steps down from a leadership role
- A politician leaves office
Example:
“Due to health issues, the director chose to resign immediately.”
This word does not have a hyphen. It’s pronounced differently and used in entirely different contexts.
The Power of the Hyphen: Why We Hyphenate “Re-sign”
The hyphen in re-sign is more than just a dash—it’s the only thing preventing a total misunderstanding.
Why it matters:
- It visually distinguishes between staying and quitting
- It changes pronunciation
- It prevents professional mistakes
Pronunciation matters:
- Re-sign: REE-sign (/ˌriːˈsaɪn/)
- Resign: ri-ZINE (/rɪˈzaɪn/)
Imagine sending an email to your boss saying, “I will resign the contract tomorrow,” when you meant “re-sign.” That one missing hyphen could spark a wave of confusion.
Re-sign vs Resign: Key Differences Explained
Understanding the difference between re-sign or resign is crucial in both writing and speech. Here’s how they stack up:
Meaning and Intent
| Word | Meaning | Intent |
|---|---|---|
| Re-sign | To sign again | To continue commitment |
| Resign | To quit or leave a position | To terminate commitment |
Pronunciation Difference
- Re-sign: Emphasis on “re” → /ˌriːˈsaɪn/
- Resign: Emphasis on “sign” → /rɪˈzaɪn/
Tip:
Say it out loud. If it sounds like “REE-sign,” you’re staying. If it sounds like “ri-ZINE,” you’re leaving.
Spelling Clues
- The hyphen in re-sign is your visual clue.
- No hyphen? Then it’s resign—a completely different verb.
When to Use Re-sign Vs Resign: A Practical Guide
Not sure which word to use? Here’s a quick reference guide.
Use re-sign when:
- You’re talking about signing again
- There’s an existing contract being renewed
- The person or entity is staying or continuing
Use resign when:
- Someone is quitting
- A job, title, or office is being left voluntarily
- There’s a formal exit
Synonyms and Alternatives
Synonyms for Re-sign
- Renew
- Extend
- Recommit
- Reauthorize
- Ratify
- Affirm
Example: “The athlete renewed his contract” = re-signed.
Synonyms for Resign
- Quit
- Step down
- Withdraw
- Retire
- Depart
- Relinquish
Example: “She stepped down as CEO” = resigned.
Here’s an additional paragraph to insert into the article, focusing specifically on the past tense forms: re-signed or resigned.
Re-signed or Resigned
The past tense forms — re-signed vs resigned — follow the same rule as their base verbs, but they often cause even more confusion in written communication. The word “re-signed” (with a hyphen) means someone renewed an agreement or signed again, while “resigned” (no hyphen) means someone left a position or stepped down. Always look for context and the presence or absence of the hyphen to know whether someone stayed or left. For example:
- “She happily re-signed her contract for another year.” (She’s staying.)
- “After careful thought, she resigned from the company.” (She’s leaving.)
Missing that tiny hyphen can flip the entire message—especially in business emails or news headlines.
Real-World Usage Examples
Examples of “Re-sign” in Sentences
- “The superstar guard agreed to re-sign for three more seasons.”
- “You must re-sign the lease before the end of the month.”
- “After renegotiating the terms, they chose to re-sign.”
Examples of “Resign” in Sentences
- “He chose to resign amid growing controversy.”
- “I plan to resign after the fiscal year ends.”
- “She resigned her post following the merger.”
Etymology: Where Did These Words Come From?
Origin of “Re-sign”
- From Latin: re- (again) + signare (to mark/sign)
- Evolved through Old French and Middle English
- Modern use: repeating an act of agreement or commitment
Origin of “Resign”
- From Latin resignare — meaning “to unseal, to revoke”
- Historically linked to the act of giving back power or authority
- Modern use: stepping down from a formal role or obligation
Explore further:
- Cacoon or Cocoon: Which Spelling is Correct?
- Past Tense of Swing? Is It Swing, Swang, or Swung?
- Skill Set Or Skillset And Skill-Set: Which Is Actually Correct?
- Compare and Contrast: Definitions, Differences, and Examples
- Afterward or Afterwards: Is There Any Difference?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistaking resign for re-sign can cost more than clarity—it can create serious miscommunication in professional, legal, and academic settings.
Most frequent mistakes:
- Leaving out the hyphen in “re-sign”
- Assuming context will make the meaning obvious
- Letting auto-correct choose for you
How to avoid them:
- Say it aloud and listen to the stress pattern
- Always proofread when using these words in contracts or emails
- Use this memory trick:
- Re-sign = REdo your SIGNature
- Resign = You’re SIGNing OFF
Visual Aid: Quick Reference Table
| Term | Meaning | Pronunciation | Example | Synonyms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Re-sign | To sign again | /ˌriːˈsaɪn/ | “She will re-sign her lease tomorrow.” | renew, reaffirm, extend |
| Resign | To quit a position | /rɪˈzaɪn/ | “He decided to resign from the board.” | step down, retire, quit |
Conclusion
The battle between re-sign vs resign is a grammar trap that catches even seasoned professionals off guard. The tiny hyphen is your friend—it separates loyalty from departure, commitment from quitting. Misusing these terms can lead to embarrassing mistakes, especially in formal documents and workplace communication.
So next time you’re about to use one of them, pause and ask:
Am I staying or leaving?
That simple question will lead you to the right word—and keep your grammar, and intentions, crystal clear.
FAQs About Re-sign Vs Resign
- What is the difference between resign and re-sign?
Resign means to quit; re-sign means to sign again.
- How do you use re-sign in a sentence?
“She chose to re-sign her contract for another term.”
- When to use the word resign?
Use resign when someone is leaving a job or position.
- How do you use resign in a sentence?
“The director will resign after the project ends.”
- How and when to resign?
Resign when you want to formally quit a job—usually with a notice.
- How to resign in one sentence?
“I hereby resign from my role effective immediately.”
Lisa Morris is a seasoned blogger and language enthusiast with a passion for making grammar simple and engaging. At Grammar Scoop, she shares clear, concise tips that help readers master the rules of English with confidence.
