redefine

Language: en

🇺🇸 /riːdɪˈfaɪn/

📖 Definitions

  1. verb
    To define again or differently; to give a new or revised definition to something.; To change the fundamental nature, scope, or meaning of something, often in a transformative way.; In computing, to change the value or meaning of a variable, macro, or symbol that has already been defined.; To establish new boundaries or limits for something.; To reshape or alter one's identity, role, or purpose.

🔗 Details

Word forms

3rd sing.: redefines Past: redefined Past part.: redefined Pres part.: redefining

Collocations

redefine the termsredefine successredefine the relationshipredefine oneselfredefine the boundaries

Derivatives

redefinitionredefinable

Synonyms

reconceptualizereformulaterecastrethinkreinterpret

Commonly confused

define
EN: 'Define' means to state the meaning of something for the first time or in general; 'redefine' implies changing or updating a previous definition.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember it is 're-' + 'define' with no hyphen in modern usage; do not double the 'e' at the junction (not 'reedefine').

💬 Examples

  1. The committee decided to redefine the term 'sustainability' to include social equity.

  2. The invention of the smartphone redefined how people communicate with each other.

  3. The programmer redefined the constant MAX_SIZE to accommodate the new data requirements.

  4. The treaty redefined the borders between the two nations after decades of dispute.

  5. After retiring from sports, she redefined herself as a successful businesswoman.