reappearance
noun
Reappearance — the return of someone or something once thought gone
Definition
The act of someone appearing again; "his reappearance as Hamlet has been long awaited"
In depth
A reappearance is the act of someone or something appearing again, often after a notable absence, return, or disappearance. The word carries inherent narrative weight, the satisfaction or unease of something previously lost or withdrawn coming back into view.
Origin
The word combines the prefix 're-,' again, with 'appearance,' from Latin apparere, to come into sight. Its structure makes its meaning entirely transparent, a quality shared by many English words built from Latin roots with native English prefixes layered onto them for added precision.
Usage examples
"His reappearance as Hamlet, after a decade away from the stage, had been long awaited by critics and fans alike."
"The comet's reappearance, predicted decades in advance, drew crowds to rooftops across the city."
"Her reappearance at the family gathering, after years of silence, left everyone uncertain how to respond."
How to use it
Reappearance suits narrative writing especially well, particularly effective when a writer wants to emphasize the significance of an absence that has now ended, whether in theater, astronomy, or personal relationships.
Related concepts
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