Reschedule

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ɹiːˈʃɛdjuːl/

Definitions

1. To alter the planned time for an event or appointment | To change the timing of a previously arranged meeting or activity | To make adjustments to the scheduled time of an engagement or commitment
2. To change the designated time for an event or meeting | To adjust the previously established schedule for an obligation | To modify the planned timing of a prior engagement or appointment
3. To modify the timing of a prearranged event or obligation To change the previously set schedule for a meeting or activity To rearrange the fixed time of an appointment or event

Etymology: The verb "reschedule" is a straightforward compound that conveys the act of scheduling something again. Its story begins with the prefix "re-", which comes from Latin "re-", meaning "again" or "back." This prefix implies repetition or alteration, and when combined with the root word "schedule," it forms a term that signifies the act of setting a new time for an event that was previously scheduled. The root "schedule" traces its origins to the Late Latin "schedula," a diminutive form of "scheda," meaning a "slip" or "piece of paper." This lineage reflects the practical origins of scheduling as the act of putting something down on a piece of paper for reference. The emergence of this term in the English language can be traced back to the early 20th century, where it began to gain popularity in administrative and business contexts. Its first recorded usage in this compound form appears in the 1930s, a time when the need for efficient time management and organization was becoming increasingly vital in both business and personal realms. As societies became more structured and schedules more complex, the need to adapt and adjust these plans led to the necessity of this term. Over time, the meaning of this compound has expanded beyond merely rearranging appointments. While it still retains its original sense of setting new times for events, it has also come to encompass the broader idea of flexibility and adaptability in planning. The act of rescheduling is now often associated with the dynamics of modern life, where unforeseen circumstances frequently necessitate changes in plans. Thus, the evolution of this term not only reflects linguistic development but also mirrors societal changes, highlighting our growing reliance on organization and the importance of time management in contemporary life.

Synonyms: postpone, defer, delay, rearrange, set back

Antonyms: advance, expedite, hasten, schedule, arrange