I. re 1 /riː/ BrE AmE preposition written formal
[ Date: 1700-1800 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: 'on the matter' , from res 'thing, matter' ]
used in business letters to introduce the subject:
re your enquiry of the 19th October
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THESAURUS
▪ about used when saying what the subject of something is:
She’s always talking about you.
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In her novels she writes about life in South Africa.
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There’s something I wanted to ask you about.
▪ on about a particular subject:
a book on English grammar
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a report on poverty in rural areas
▪ concerning/regarding formal about:
Prince Saiid answered questions concerning Kuwait’s future.
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The report raises a number of questions regarding food safety.
▪ with regard to formal about – used especially when you want to start talking or writing about something:
Dear Sir, I’m writing with regard to your advertisement in The Times.
▪ re used in business letters and in emails to introduce the subject that you are going to write about:
Re: Friday’s meeting
II. re 2 /reɪ/ BrE AmE noun [singular]
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: Medieval Latin ]
the second note in a musical ↑ scale
⇨ SOLFA