Definition of reset

The word "reset" has its roots in the 15th century. The verb "reset" originally meant "to set again" or "to put again in an original position." It came from the Old French word "resseter," which was derived from the Latin words "re" meaning "again" and "sedere" meaning "to sit" or "to settle." In the early 17th century, the word "reset" began to take on a mechanical connotation, referring to the process of adjusting or putting something back in its original position. This sense of the word was popularized by the development of clocks and other mechanical devices that needed to be periodically reset to maintain accuracy. Over time, the meaning of "reset" expanded to include a wide range of contexts, from computer programming to personal relationships. Today, the word "reset" is often used metaphorically to describe a fresh start or a return to a previous state.