again
again
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "again" is: /əˈɡɛn/
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
a-: /ə/ (schwa) - This is a short, unstressed vowel sound, similar to the "a" in "about."
-gain: /ˈɡɛn/
/ɡ/ - voiced velar stop, as in "go"
/ɛ/ - open-mid front unrounded vowel, as in "pet"
/n/ - alveolar nasal, as in "no"
Word Form Variations
again (adverb):
This is the base form, used to indicate repetition or recurrence. Examples: "Do it again," "We met again."
It is used in many idiomatic expressions.
Related phrases and compound words:
"again and again" (adverbial phrase): meaning repeatedly.
"once again" (adverbial phrase): meaning one more time.
"then again" (adverbial phrase): used to introduce a contrasting or alternative thought.
"born-again" (adjective): referring to a spiritual rebirth.
"on-again, off-again" (adjective): meaning intermittent or fluctuating.
Therefore, while "again" itself doesn't inflect, it participates in various phrases and compound words that alter its function or meaning.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb:
Definition 1:
Indicating a repetition or recurrence of an action or event.
Example: "Please read that sentence again."
Synonyms: once more, anew, repeatedly, afresh, over, once again.
Antonyms: never, once, formerly, previously.
Definition 2:
Returning to a previous state or condition.
Example: "He is feeling well again."
Synonyms: back, restored, returned.
Antonyms: gone, departed, lost.
Definition 3:
Used to introduce an alternative or additional point.
Example: "It might rain, and then again, it might not."
Synonyms: also, furthermore, moreover, besides.
Definition 4:
Used when asking for a repetition of something that was not heard or understood.
Example: "What was your name again?"
Synonyms: repeat, once more.
Important Notes:
While "again" is overwhelmingly an adverb, it's essential to recognize its role in compound words and phrases, which can create adjectival or other functions.
It is important to remember that the word "again" is very common in many idiomatic phrases, which change the meaning of the word.
Examples of Use
In News and Online Publications:
"The company's stock prices fell sharply again after the release of their quarterly earnings." (Financial news source)
"Climate change concerns rise again as heatwaves intensify across the globe." (Environmental news website)
"The city council will once again debate the proposed zoning changes." (Local news publication)
"And here, Rian Johnson strikes gold again with the help of the year's hottest ensemble cast." (Variety)
"Ukrainian infantry counterattack and beat back the Russians—but suffer terrible losses as the artillery opens fire again."1 (Forbes)
In Literature and Entertainment:
In many novels, you will find the word again used to show repetitive actions, or to show a character returning to a place or state. For example, descriptions of characters repeatedly trying to accomplish a task.
In movies and television, dialogue often includes "again" to emphasize repetition or to ask for clarification.
Example: "Play it again, Sam." (From the film "Casablanca")
Lyrics in music very often use the word again. To show a repeated action, or a desired action.
In General Public Discourse:
"I had to ask him again to repeat what he said." (Everyday conversation)
"We'll have to try that again tomorrow." (Common phrase indicating a repeated attempt)
"Time and again, we've seen this happen." (Expressing a recurring event)
Key Observations:
The word "again" is incredibly versatile, fitting into nearly any context where repetition or recurrence is involved.
Its use is not limited to formal writing; it's a staple of everyday speech.
The use of the phrase "again and again" is also very common, to emphasize a very large number of repetative actions.
10 Famous Quotes Using Again
"Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better." (Samuel Beckett)
"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again." (Maya Angelou)
"My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth." (Abraham Lincoln)
"I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." (Michael Jordan)
"One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.” (Abraham Maslow)
"Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another." (Nelson Mandela)
"What was that again?" (Common spoken phrase, reflecting everyday use)
"We will rise again." (Common phrase, used in many works of literature and in general public speech, often as a symbol of resilience)
"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." (C.S. Lewis, metaphorical, although he doesn't use the word again, the concept is the same)
"The sun will rise again, and we will try again." (Original phrase, reflecting hope and perseverance.)
Etymology
The word "again" has a pretty straightforward history, and it's been around for a very long time! Here's the breakdown:
Old English Roots:
"Again" comes from the Old English word "ongean" or "agēan."
This Old English word had a few meanings, including "towards," "opposite," "back," and "a second time." So even way back then, the idea of repetition and returning was present.
Breaking it down:
The "a-" part of "again" is a shortened form of "on," which meant "on" or "in."
"Gean" meant against. So it had the original meaning of moving against something, or returning to something.
Evolution of Meaning:
Over time, the "towards" and "opposite" meanings faded, and the "back" and "a second time" meanings became dominant.
This evolution reflects how we use "again" today – to indicate that something is happening repeatedly or returning to a previous state.
First Known Use:
Because it comes from Old English, the first known uses are in very old texts from that time period. This would be texts from the early medieval ages, pre 1100 AD.
In simple terms, "again" has always carried the idea of something happening once more, or returning to a previous point.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Again
"Again" is a common word, but it primarily functions as an adverb, so it doesn't lend itself to as many standalone idioms as nouns or verbs. However, it's very prevalent in phrases and some idiomatic expressions. Here's a breakdown:
Common Phrases and Idiomatic Expressions:
Again and again:
Meaning: Repeatedly, frequently.
Example: "He practiced the song again and again until he got it right."
Once again:
Meaning: One more time.
Example: "Once again, the team emerged victorious."
Then again:
Meaning: On the other hand, however, alternatively.
Example: "We could go to the park. Then again, it might rain."
Here we go again:
Meaning: This is a repitition of an unpleasant event.
Example: "Here we go again, the printer is jamming."
Back again:
Meaning: Returned.
Example: "Welcome back again, it is good to see you."
Play it again, Sam:
Meaning: Repeat something.
Example: a reference to the movie Casablanca.
Why it's harder to find standalone idioms:
"Again" is an adverb of time, indicating repetition. Its role is more about modifying actions than being the core of a figurative expression.
Many idioms rely on metaphorical language involving nouns or verbs, which "again" doesn't typically provide.
Phrases with Synonyms for Similar Effect:
Time after time:
Meaning: Repeatedly (synonymous with "again and again").
Example: "Time after time, she proved her reliability."
Over and over:
Meaning: Repeatedly.
Example: "He read the book over and over."
A fresh start:
Meaning: To begin again.
Example: "After the fire, they wanted a fresh start."
Return to form:
Meaning: to return to a previous level of skill.
Example: "The athlete has returned to form."
While "again" doesn't spawn a huge number of unique idioms, its presence is felt in many common phrases that convey the idea of repetition and recurrence.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of again from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
