Words beginning with the prefix “re” are most often used either to refer to the process of going “back” in time or the act of doing something “again”. Words with the latter inference speak to renewal and growth — they are bywords for proactive, positive behavior — they are, by their very nature, optimistic in their outlook. Reframe, redesign, reform, reboot, reassess, recreate, rebuild, rethink, reunite — all are rallying calls to the constructive. Of course, many words that use “re” in the sense of going “back” in time — regress, relapse, redundant — have negative connotations. The etymology of words continues to fascinate me. Language, when used as a force for good — as a means of encouraging others — as a tool to inspire the best in us — is incredibly powerful. The inverse is also true — words used to degrade others — to attack the “good” — to diminish forward thinking — to negate truth — are equally as powerful. All the more reason to choose our words with great care.
