re-join

The child uses glue to re-join the two pieces of the broken plate.

Definition

1. Verb:

   • To join together again: "re-join" primarily means to bring separate parts back into a unified whole, such as pieces of material or broken objects.
   • To return to a group or activity: It can also mean to go back to a person, group, or situation after being away.

2. Usage Context:

   • The word is most commonly applied in physical contexts (e.g., repairing objects) or social contexts (e.g., rejoining a team or conversation). It is typically used transitively (with a direct object).

Usage Examples

• Physical joining:

  • The carpenter used glue to re-join the broken chair leg. (To attach the separated piece back to the chair.)
  • After the earthquake, engineers worked to re-join the damaged bridge sections. (To reconnect structural parts.)

• Social or group return:

  • She took a year off from work but plans to re-join the company next month. (To return to a previous employer.)
  • After the break, the students re-joined the class for the final lesson. (To come back to a group activity.)

Advanced Usage

• "to re-join a conversation": to participate again in a discussion after being silent or absent.

  • He excused himself to take a phone call and then re-joined the conversation. (He returned to the ongoing dialogue.)

• "to re-join forces": to combine efforts again, often in a military or collaborative context.

  • The two armies re-joined forces after the winter campaign. (They united again for a common purpose.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rejoin (verb, alternative spelling): Often written without a hyphen as "rejoin," especially in informal or modern usage.

  • Please rejoin the group when you are ready. (Return to the group.)

• Rejoinder (noun): a reply, especially a quick or witty one (etymologically related but distinct in meaning).

  • His sharp rejoinder ended the argument. (A quick verbal response.)

• Rejoining (noun): the act of connecting again.

  • The rejoining of the wires required careful soldering. (The process of reconnecting.)

Synonyms

• Reconnect: to bring separate parts or people back into contact.
  • They reconnected the broken cable. (They joined it again.)
• Reunite: to bring together again after a separation.
  • The family was reunited after the war. (They were brought back together.)
• Reattach: to fix something back onto its original position.
  • He reattached the loose button. (He sewed it back on.)

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms

• "To re-join the ranks": to return to a group or profession after an absence.
  • After recovering from illness, he re-joined the ranks of active workers. (He returned to the workforce.)
• "To re-join the fray": to re-enter a conflict or competition.
  • The boxer re-joined the fray after a brief rest. (He returned to the fight.)