1. Latin "re-": This is the most common origin, meaning "again, back, anew, or repeatedly." It's derived from the Latin preposition "re," which also means "back, again, anew."
Examples:
* re-write: to write again
* re-build: to build again
* re-arrange: to arrange again
* re-enter: to enter again
2. French "re-": French adopted the Latin "re-" and it can sometimes be found in English words that originated in French.
Example:
* re-create: to create again (from the French "re-créer")
3. Old English "re-": While less common, there are instances where "-re" derives from Old English, where it also meant "again" or "back."
Example:
* re-ward: to reward (from the Old English "re-weardan," meaning "to guard again")
4. Other languages: In rare cases, the "-re" prefix might stem from other languages like Greek, but the Latin origin is by far the most frequent.
Important note: While "-re" often indicates repetition or reversal, its exact meaning can vary depending on the specific word. Sometimes it implies a return to a previous state, other times it signifies a continuation of an action.