Resign vs. Re-Sign: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 9, 2024
Resign means to quit a job or position, while re-sign means to sign again, often a contract or agreement.
Key Differences
The terms "resign" and "re-sign" hold distinctly different meanings, yet their similarity in spelling often leads to confusion. "Resign" typically means to voluntarily leave a position or job, suggesting a termination of duties or responsibilities. In contrast, "re-sign" means to sign again, commonly used in contexts where an individual is continuing or renewing a commitment, such as a contract or agreement. The prefix "re-" in "re-sign" implies repetition or continuation, whereas "resign" has no such prefix and is a standalone term.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 09, 2024
In professional contexts, the distinction between "resign" and "re-sign" is particularly crucial. When an employee decides to "resign," it indicates they are stepping down from their position, effectively ending their employment with that organization. On the other hand, when an individual chooses to "re-sign," it signifies their decision to renew their contract or continue their association with the same organization or team. The action of resigning is often associated with a change or end, whereas re-signing suggests stability and continuation.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 09, 2024
The impact of the two terms can be quite significant, especially in the corporate and sports worlds. For instance, a CEO's decision to "resign" can signal a change in company leadership and potentially affect the company's future direction. Conversely, when a key employee or a star athlete decides to "re-sign" with their current company or team, it often indicates confidence in the current direction and stability for the future. The difference in these terms, therefore, has substantial implications in terms of organizational continuity and change.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 09, 2024
Usage of "resign" and "re-sign" in communication must be done with clarity to avoid misunderstandings. A misspelling or misinterpretation between "resign" and "re-sign" in official communications, like press releases or contractual documents, can lead to drastically different interpretations. For example, announcing that an employee has "resigned" when they have actually "re-signed" could cause unnecessary confusion and speculation among stakeholders.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 09, 2024
In summary, the difference between "resign" and "re-sign" lies in their meanings and implications. "Resign" indicates a departure or end of an engagement, reflecting a decision to leave or step down. In contrast, "re-sign" signifies a renewal or continuation of a commitment or agreement. The correct usage of these terms is vital in conveying the intended message accurately, especially in formal and professional settings where the stakes of miscommunication can be high.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 09, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Often negative or neutral, implying an end
Positive, suggesting renewal or continuation
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Feb 09, 2024
Prefix Usage
"Re-" is not indicative of repetition
"Re-" indicates doing the action again
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Feb 09, 2024
Common Usage
In professional or organizational resignations
In contracts, agreements, or official documents
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Feb 09, 2024
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Resign and Re-Sign Definitions
Resign
To submit or yield without complaint
She resigned herself to her fate.
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Jan 18, 2024
Re-Sign
To sign a document again
She had to re-sign the contract after the amendments.
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Jan 18, 2024
Resign
To give up an office or commission
The senator resigned after the scandal.
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Jan 18, 2024
Re-Sign
To formally agree again to terms or conditions
Employees were asked to re-sign their commitment to the project.
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Jan 18, 2024
Resign
To withdraw formally from an affiliation or membership
He resigned from the board of directors.
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Jan 18, 2024
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Re-Sign
To endorse a document once more
The witness had to re-sign the affidavit after corrections.
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Jan 18, 2024
Resign
To voluntarily leave a job or position
After ten years, the manager decided to resign.
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Jan 18, 2024
Re-Sign
To renew a contract or agreement
The player decided to re-sign with his old team.
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Jan 18, 2024
Resign
To relinquish a role or responsibility
He resigned as the coach of the team.
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Jan 18, 2024
Re-Sign
To engage again by signing a new contract
The actress re-signed for the sequel of the movie.
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Jan 18, 2024
Resign
To submit (oneself) passively; accept as inevitable
I resigned myself to a long wait in line.
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Jan 16, 2024
Resign
To give up (a position, for example), especially by formal notification.
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Jan 16, 2024
Re-Sign
(by extension) To sign a contract renewing or restarting a professional relationship, such as that of a professional athlete with a sports team.
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Jan 16, 2024
Resign
To give up one's job or office; quit, especially by formal notification
Resign from a board of directors.
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Jan 16, 2024
Resign
(transitive) To hand over (something to someone), place into the care or control of another.
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Jan 16, 2024
Resign
To quit (a job or position).
I am resigning in protest of the unfair treatment of our employees.
He resigned the crown to follow his heart.
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Jan 16, 2024
Resign
(transitive) To submit passively; to give up as hopeless or inevitable.
He had no choice but to resign the game and let his opponent become the champion.
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Jan 16, 2024
Resign
To sign back; to return by a formal act; to yield to another; to surrender; - said especially of office or emolument. Hence, to give up; to yield; to submit; - said of the wishes or will, or of something valued; - also often used reflexively.
I here resign my government to thee.
Lament not, Eve, but patiently resignWhat justly thou hast lost.
What more reasonable, than that we should in all things resign up ourselves to the will of God?
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Jan 16, 2024
Resign
To commit to the care of; to consign.
Gentlement of quality have been sent beyong the seas, resigned and concredited to the conduct of such as they call governors.
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Jan 16, 2024
Resign
Leave (a job, post, post, or position) voluntarily;
She vacated the position when she got pregnant
The chairman resigned when he was found to have misappropriated funds
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Jan 16, 2024
Resign
Give up or retire from a position;
The Secretary fo the Navy will leave office next month
The chairman resigned over the financial scandal
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Jan 16, 2024
Resign
Part with a possession or right;
I am relinquishing my bedroom to the long-term house guest
Resign a claim to the throne
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Jan 16, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does it mean to resign?
Resigning means voluntarily leaving a job or position.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 09, 2024
Is resigning from a job always negative?
Not necessarily; it can be a neutral decision based on personal or professional reasons.
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Feb 09, 2024
Can re-sign be used outside of contracts?
It's primarily used in the context of agreements or formal documents.
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Feb 09, 2024
Does resign have a legal implication?
In some contexts, it can, especially in contractual or official positions.
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Feb 09, 2024
Can someone resign from a non-professional role?
Yes, one can resign from any role, professional or voluntary.
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Feb 09, 2024
Is there a formal process for re-signing?
It often involves negotiations and mutual agreement.
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Feb 09, 2024
Does re-sign imply continuation?
Yes, it usually implies the renewal or continuation of an agreement.
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Feb 09, 2024
What is a resignation letter?
A formal letter stating one's intention to leave a job.
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Feb 09, 2024
What is required when you resign from a job?
Typically, a formal notice or resignation letter is required.
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Feb 09, 2024
What does re-sign mean?
Re-sign means to sign a document or contract again.
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Feb 09, 2024
Does resigning affect one's career?
It can, depending on the circumstances and reasons for resigning.
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Feb 09, 2024
What happens if you resign without notice?
It can have professional repercussions and may breach contract terms.
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Feb 09, 2024
Can you re-sign a lease?
Yes, it's a common practice for extending rental agreements.
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Feb 09, 2024
Does re-signing require a witness?
It depends on the nature of the document; legal documents often do.
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Feb 09, 2024
Is re-signing a contract common?
Yes, especially in professional settings like sports or employment.
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Feb 09, 2024
Do you need a reason to resign?
It's not mandatory, but often a reason is given.
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Feb 09, 2024
How common is it to re-sign in sports?
Very common, especially for extending player contracts.
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Feb 09, 2024
Can re-signing a contract change its terms?
Yes, terms can be renegotiated during re-signing.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 09, 2024
Is re-signing binding like the original contract?
Yes, it holds the same legal weight.
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Feb 09, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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