Short Answer 
The terms “re-signed” and “resigned” have distinct meanings; “re-signed” refers to signing something again, while “resigned” means quitting a position. Context is crucial in determining which term to use, and understanding hyphen rules can help clarify meanings, as “re-” indicates repetition and often requires a hyphen.
Step 1: Understand the Distinction
It is essential to recognize the difference between the words “re-signed” and “resigned”. The term “re-signed” signifies the action of signing something again, while “resigned” indicates quitting a position. Recognizing this distinction is crucial to avoid confusion in communication.
Step 2: Analyze the Context
Examining the context of the sentence helps determine which term to use. For example, when discussing the act of signing a petition again, “re-signed” is appropriate because it accurately reflects the action of performing that task multiple times. Conversely, in sentences about someone potentially quitting their job, “resigned” is the correct choice.
Step 3: Apply Hyphen Usage Rules
Understanding how to use hyphens appropriately can also clarify meanings. In English, the prefix “re-“ typically denotes repetition. Therefore, when combining “re-“ with a verb like “sign”, a hyphen is used to create “re-signed.” This illustrates the importance of hyphen usage in differentiating word meanings and preventing misunderstandings.