redefine

/ˌriːdɪˈfaɪn/

Say it: ree-dih-FINE

1. verb To change the fundamental nature, scope, or meaning of something.
Her research completely redefined the field of molecular biology.
2. verb To define something again or in a different way.
After the project's scope changed, we had to redefine our key objectives.
3. verb To re-examine or reconsider something, leading to a new understanding or perspective.
The film redefines what it means to be a family in the 21st century.

📖 Seen in the wild

The new CEO sought to redefine the company's mission and values.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ redefine in a sentence

The company's new mission statement seeks to redefine its relationship with customers.
After the injury, the athlete had to redefine his personal limits.
This technology will redefine how we consume entertainment.
She used her new leadership role to redefine the team's culture.
Each generation seems to redefine the concept of rebellion.
The court's ruling could redefine privacy rights for internet users.
He moved to a new city to redefine himself and start over.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

transform reframe reinterpret revolutionize re-evaluate reassess re-examine reshape

transform · implies a more thorough and dramatic change in form or character.

reframe · suggests changing the perspective or context rather than the thing itself.

reinterpret · focuses on providing a new explanation or understanding of something that already exists.

revolutionize · indicates a radical and far-reaching change, often within a system or field.

Opposites: preserve, maintain, uphold, conserve, solidify

🌱 Where it comes from

The word is a straightforward combination of the prefix 're-', meaning 'again', and the verb 'define'. 'Define' itself comes from the Latin 'definire', meaning 'to limit' or 'to set boundaries'. Therefore, to redefine is literally to set the boundaries again, giving something a new limit, scope, or meaning.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

redefine the boundariesredefine the role ofredefine successredefine a relationshipfundamentally redefine

While 'redefine' can literally mean to provide a new dictionary definition, it is most often used abstractly to describe a significant shift in the understanding or nature of a concept, role, or relationship. It's a strong verb that implies a fundamental change, so it's best reserved for major shifts, not minor adjustments. The word carries a generally positive or neutral connotation of progress, innovation, or thoughtful change.

Word family: redefinition, define, definition, definable

💬 Quick answers

What does 'redefine' mean?

It means to define something again or in a new way, often changing its fundamental nature or how it is understood.

What is the difference between 'redefine' and 're-evaluate'?

To 'redefine' is to change the very meaning or nature of something. To 're-evaluate' is to reconsider its worth or importance, which is a less fundamental change.

Is 'redefine' a formal word?

'Redefine' is a neutral word that is appropriate in both formal settings, like academic writing, and everyday conversation when discussing significant changes.

What is an example of redefining something?

A common example is a company that redefines success not just as profit, but as a combination of employee well-being and environmental impact.

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