redefine

USAGE SUMMARY

"redefine" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain that something is being given a new definition or understanding. For example, "The company is redefining success to include more than just financial gain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From The Real World through The Osbournes, The Hills and, currently, Jersey Shore, the network prides itself in programmes that redefine pop culture.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In 2006, Cameron sought to redefine the Tory image by hugging a husky and talking green.

The Guardian

Colin Hart, campaign director of the anti-equal marriage group Coalition for Marriage, said: "The scale of the opposition against the government's profoundly undemocratic plans is astonishing, and sends a clear message to the prime minister that he faces a lengthy and damaging battle to redefine marriage.

The Guardian

It is emotionally spacious, perfectly modulated and seems likely to redefine Spacey's career and kick it on to another level.

The Guardian - Film

The group sets out to redefine business success in a way that promotes "long-term value for all".

The Guardian

Pink News reported in 2013 that Dinenage had said in a letter to a constituent that the "state has no right" to redefine the meaning of marriage and that "preventing same-sex couples from being allowed to marry takes nothing away from their relationship".

The Guardian

Any initiative that genuinely furthers that ambition this Sunday would be a remarkable step for reconciliation that could significantly redefine Australia Day.

The Guardian

Lucas was slightly more excited about a possible end to austerity economics – or "end of Thatcherism" as she chose to redefine it – but even she seemed a little distracted and vague.

The Guardian

Baroness Hussein-Ece, a Lib Dem peer and adviser to Nick Clegg on community cohesion, backed calls from another former leader, David Steel, for the party to redefine itself as from the centre-left rather than one willing to prop up the Conservatives.

The Guardian

Sir Roger Gale, Conservative MP for North Thanet: "It is not possible to redefine marriage.

The Guardian

While it may be possible to stop some landowners from claiming payments, they will adapt: "You hire a good agricultural lawyer and redefine the structure of the farm".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "redefine", ensure that the new definition or understanding is clearly articulated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "redefine" without explaining what the original definition was or what the new definition is intended to be. Always provide sufficient context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "redefine" is as a transitive verb. It signifies the action of assigning a new or different meaning to something, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "redefine" is a grammatically correct and very common verb used to indicate the act of giving a new or different definition to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across various domains, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. When using "redefine", clarity is key; ensure you provide adequate context for the new meaning you are assigning. Consider related phrases like "reshape the definition" or "reframe the concept" for nuanced expression. By avoiding overuse and providing sufficient context, you can effectively use "redefine" to communicate changes in understanding or perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reshape the definition

Focuses on altering the existing definition rather than creating a new one.

Reframe the concept

Emphasizes changing the way a concept is perceived or understood.

Reassess the meaning

Highlights the act of re-evaluating the significance or interpretation.

Modify the understanding

Focuses on altering the current comprehension of something.

Adjust the interpretation

Implies making slight changes to an existing understanding.

Transform the perception

Emphasizes a complete change in how something is viewed.

Re-envision the approach

Suggests a new way of looking at or dealing with something.

Alter the perspective

Focuses on changing the viewpoint or angle from which something is considered.

Revise the criteria

Implies updating the standards or benchmarks used for evaluation.

Renew the sense

Highlights a fresh or revitalized understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "redefine" in a sentence?

You can use "redefine" to indicate a new or different definition is being given to something. For example, "The company is working to "redefine its mission"."

What are some alternatives to the word "redefine"?

Alternatives to "redefine" include "reshape the definition", "reframe the concept", or "modify the understanding" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "redefine" in formal writing?

Yes, "redefine" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing changes in concepts, strategies, or objectives. However, ensure clarity in explaining the new definition.

What's the difference between "redefine" and "revise"?

"Redefine" implies giving a completely new definition, while "revise" suggests making changes or corrections to an existing one. You "redefine a concept", but you "revise a document".