reradiate

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌriːˈreɪdiˌeɪt/

KK: /ˌriːˈreɪdiˌeɪt/

verb

Definition

To send out energy again after it has been absorbed, usually in the form of radiation.

Example

The earth reradiates heat energy into the atmosphere after absorbing sunlight.

Tense Forms

Past: reradiated

Past Participle: reradiated

Conversation

I learned that some materials can reradiate heat after absorbing it.

That's interesting! How does that work exactly?

Well, they take in the heat and then release it slowly as infrared radiation.

Got it! So that’s why they’re used in things like insulation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

emit

radiate

transmit

Antonyms

absorb

retain

capture

Root Explanation

Reradiate → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "radiate" (from Latin "radiatus", meaning to emit rays or shine). The word "reradiate" means to emit rays again or to radiate once more.

Memory Tip

Think of something that shines or emits rays 'again' — 're-' means again, and 'radiate' means to emit rays.

Visually Confused Words

eradiate

irradiate

eradicate