Reassume vs. Resume — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 27, 2024
Reassume implies taking back or retaking a position or responsibility that was previously held, while resume means to begin again or continue after a pause or interruption.
Difference Between Reassume and Resume
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
When someone reassumes a role or duty, it suggests they are stepping back into a position or taking up a responsibility they once had but had relinquished or been away from. This act often implies a formal or official return to a status previously held. In contrast, to resume something is more general and refers to restarting an activity, project, or role that was paused or interrupted, regardless of who held the position or was involved in the activity before the pause.
Reassuming often carries a sense of formal reinstatement or a deliberate action of taking back control or command. For instance, a CEO who steps down temporarily and then reassumes their role is formally returning to their previous position of authority. On the other hand, resuming work on a project does not necessarily imply that the same person stopped and started the work; it simply means that the project's progress is continuing after a stoppage.
The context in which "reassume" is used usually involves scenarios where authority, power, or specific responsibilities are concerned. It highlights the action of reclaiming or being reappointed to a position. Meanwhile, "resume" is versatile, applying to a wide range of activities and situations, from resuming a conversation, a job, to the continuation of any interrupted action or process.
The nuance of intentionality is stronger with reassuming, which often involves a decision or action to take back a role actively. Resuming, however, emphasizes the act of continuation more than the decision to return or take back, focusing on the flow of activities or responsibilities rather than the dynamics of control or possession.
While both terms involve a return or continuation, reassume specifically refers to reclaiming a position or responsibility once held, with an implication of authority or ownership being reinstated. Resume, however, has a broader application, referring to the act of continuing with an activity or role after any form of pause, without necessarily implying a return to a previously held status.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To take back a role or responsibility previously held.
To start again or continue after a pause or interruption.
Context
Formal or official, involving authority or responsibility.
General, applicable to a wide range of activities or roles.
Nuance
Implies a reclaiming of position, authority, or control.
Focuses on the act of continuation without claim implications.
Usage Scenario
Often used in contexts where power or roles are concerned.
Used in varied contexts, from casual to professional settings.
Intentionality
Highlights an active decision to reclaim a position.
Emphasizes the action of continuing more than the decision.
Compare with Definitions
Reassume
To take back control or position once held.
After her sabbatical, she reassumed her role as director.
Resume
Can refer to returning to a state or activity.
The city resumed normal operations after the storm.
Reassume
Highlights the act of reclaiming or being reappointed.
He reassumed control of the project to ensure its success.
Resume
Does not imply reclaiming or retaking a previous position.
He resumed writing the report where he left off.
Reassume
Often used in formal or official contexts.
The retired officer reassumed his commission during the emergency.
Resume
To start or continue something after a pause.
After the interruption, the speaker resumed her presentation.
Reassume
Implies a return to a specific authority or responsibility.
The founder reassumed leadership to guide the company through the crisis.
Resume
Applies broadly to activities, jobs, or processes.
She resumed her studies after a year abroad.
Reassume
Focuses on authority, responsibility, or ownership.
After the merger, the original CEO reassumed command of the company.
Resume
Emphasizes the act of continuation.
Training sessions will resume next Monday.
Reassume
To resume, to carry on (a practice, thought, occupation etc.) again.
Resume
Begin again or continue after a pause or interruption
A day later normal service was resumed
The talks resumed in April
Reassume
To take on or adopt again.
The next day he reassumed his disguise.
The British reassumed control of the region.
Resume
A summary
I gave him a quick résumé of events
Reassume
To take back into one's possession.
Resume
Another term for curriculum vitae
Reassume
To assume again or anew; to resume.
Resume
A brief account of one's professional or work experience and qualifications, often submitted with an employment application.
Resume
A summary
A résumé of the facts of the case.
Resume
To begin or take up again after interruption
Resumed our dinner.
Resume
To assume, take, or occupy again
The dog resumed its post by the door.
Resume
To take on or take back again
Resumed my original name.
Resume
To begin again or continue after interruption.
Resume
To take back possession of (something).
Resume
To summarise.
Resume
(transitive) To start (something) again that has been stopped or paused from the point at which it was stopped or paused; continue, carry on.
We will resume this discussion tomorrow at nine.
Resume
(intransitive) To start again after an interruption or pause.
Normal service has resumed.
Resume
A summary or synopsis.
Resume
A summary or account of education and employment experiences and qualifications; a curriculum vitae (often for presentation to a potential future employer when applying for a job).
Resume
A summing up; a condensed statement; an abridgment or brief recapitulation.
The exellent little résumé thereof in Dr. Landsborough's book.
Resume
To take back.
The sun, like this, from which our sight we have,Gazed on too long, resumes the light he gave.
Perhaps God will resume the blessing he has bestowed ere he attains the age of manhood.
Resume
To enter upon, or take up again.
Reason resumed her place, and Passion fled.
Resume
To begin again; to recommence, as something which has been interrupted; as, to resume an argument or discourse.
Resume
Short descriptive summary (of events)
Resume
A summary of your academic and work history
Resume
Take up or begin anew;
We resumed the negotiations
Resume
Return to a previous location or condition;
The painting resumed its old condition when we restored it
Resume
Assume anew;
Resume a title
Resume an office
Resume one's duties
Resume
Give a summary (of);
He summed up his results
I will now summarize
Common Curiosities
Can a project be reassumed?
Typically, one would "resume" a project rather than "reassume" it, as projects involve continuation of work rather than reclaiming a position.
Can anyone resume an activity?
Yes, anyone can resume an activity, task, or role after it has been paused or interrupted, regardless of prior involvement.
Is reassuming always related to jobs or formal roles?
While often used in the context of jobs or formal roles, reassuming can apply to any scenario where a specific authority or responsibility is taken back.
How do I use "resume" in a sentence?
"After the holiday break, we will resume our regular schedule."
What does it mean to reassume a position?
Reassuming a position means returning to a role or responsibility that one previously held, often with an implication of formal reinstatement.
Can "reassume" and "resume" be used interchangeably?
They are not typically interchangeable due to their nuanced differences in meaning; "reassume" focuses on taking back a previous position, while "resume" is about continuing after a pause.
What is required to reassume a role?
Reassuming a role may require formal or official actions, such as a reappointment or decision by those in authority, emphasizing the return to a specific status.
What indicates the act of reassuming?
The act of reassuming is indicated by someone returning to a role, authority, or responsibility they previously had.
Does resuming imply a break has occurred?
Yes, resuming something implies there has been a pause or interruption in the activity or process.
Why is the distinction between reassume and resume important?
The distinction clarifies the context and nature of the return to a role or activity, highlighting whether it's a continuation or a formal reclaiming.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
