Both “resume” and “résumé” are words we often hear but may not frequently write down, leading to potential mix-ups. Misusing them, especially in a professional setting, can lead to awkward situations. They’re easily confused because they stem from the same origin, and their use varies between formal and informal contexts.
Understanding “Resume”
“Resume” primarily functions as a verb meaning to start again after a pause. For instance, you might resume a movie after a break, or a game could resume after a delay. The noun version of the word is “resumption”, referring to the act of starting again. Originating between 1375–1425, the word comes from the Latin “resūmere”, which is a combination of “re-” (again) and “sūmere” (to take). But here’s a twist: “resume” can also be a casual version of “résumé”, thanks to the way English borrows from French.
Defining “Résumé”
With accent marks, a “résumé” is a concise written summary of one’s professional, academic, and personal qualifications, commonly submitted for job applications. Its pronunciation, [rez–oo-mey], sets it apart from “resume” [ri-zoom]. The term “résumé” dates back to 1795–1805, with roots in French. In French, “résumé” means a summarized version, which in English alludes to a summary of one’s career and academic credentials.
Why the Accents in “Résumé”?
When English adopts words from other languages, sometimes the diacritical marks persist, like in “café” or “déjà vu”. In French, these marks guide pronunciation. The acute accent over “résumé” suggests it should be pronounced as “ey”. Moreover, accent marks help distinguish words that might otherwise look the same.
Over time, especially with words borrowed long ago from French, these accent marks might be dropped in casual writing. Hence, you might see both “café” and “cafe” used. But in formal settings, like job applications, it’s advisable to use “résumé” with the accents.
by: Emma