I Have to Retake the Exam – Meaning & Usage

Meaning 1：retake an exam (I have to retake the exam)

I have to retake the exam 🔊

/aɪ hæv tə riːˈteɪk ði ɪɡˈzæm/

phrase

To have to take a test or exam again, usually because you did not pass it the first time.

Student retaking exam with determined look and circled date

retake an exam 🔊

➕

/riːˈteɪk ən ɪɡˈzæm/

phrase

To be required to take a test or examination once more, typically after failing the initial attempt.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

re- (again) + take (to take an exam); literally 'take again'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 're' as 'repeat', so 'retake' means 'repeat the take' of an exam.

📖 Example

My friend asked why I was still studying during summer vacation, and I told him I have to retake the exam in September. 🔊 My friend asked why I was still studying during summer vacation, and I told him I have to retake the exam in September.

🔗 Collocations

retake an exam – to take an exam again

retake a course – to enroll in and complete a course again

retake a test – to sit for a test a second time

🔄 Synonyms

resit (verb) – to take an examination again, especially in British English

sit again (verb phrase) – to take a test or exam for a second time

redo the exam (verb phrase) – to do the exam again

🚫 Antonyms

pass the exam (verb phrase) – to successfully complete the exam on the first attempt

skip the exam (verb phrase) – to not take the exam at all

exempt from exam (adjective phrase) – to be officially excused from taking the exam

🌱 Derivatives

retaker (noun) – a person who retakes an exam

retaken (past participle) – having taken an exam again

📖 Cultural Story

Commonly used in academic settings since the early 20th century when standardized testing became widespread. The prefix 're-' comes from Latin, indicating repetition.