reformatory

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'reformatory' is correct and usable in written English.
'Reformatory' is typically used as an adjective to describe something that is meant to reform or improve behavior in a positive way. It can also be used as a noun to refer to a place or institution where rehabilitation or reformation is encouraged. Example 1 (adjective): The new educational program implemented in the school was designed to have a reformatory effect on students' study habits. Example 2 (noun): After being released from prison, he was sent to a reformatory to help him reintegrate into society and learn new skills.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was no precise time I became a thief, just a metempsychosis of Uranus that saw me graduate from the Reformatory to the Foreign Legion and thence to the piss and shit of the sewers.

The Guardian - Books

The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, a model progressive reformatory when it was built in 1829, has run public tours since it was turned over to the city in the 1980s.

The Economist

Eventually, having been caught drinking alcohol, he was saved from a stretch in a reformatory by showing the judge the weals on his back.

The Economist

A fire in a church-run reformatory for women was deliberately started by prostitutes and runaways who tried to escape; at least 38 women perished behind barred windows and doors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She was arrested along with 12 other Communist leaders in 1951 and in 1953 was convicted of violating the 1940 Smith Alien Registration Act and was confined in the federal women's reformatory in Alderson, West Virginia, from January 1955 to May 1957.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In January 1901 Davis began work as superintendent of the newly opened state reformatory for women at Bedford Hills, New York.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She was in large part responsible for the legislation that created a women's reformatory in New York City in 1892.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He speaks effectively.…His influence upon his age is extensive pleasurable, instructive, healthy, reformatory.… Mr. Dickens is, in private, very much what might be expected from his works.…His conversation is genial.…[He] has singular personal activity, and is fond of games of practical skill.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1999 the government announced the establishment of a commission to investigate the abuse that had been widespread until the 1970s in industrial and reformatory schools.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His adventure came to a sudden end when his mother, advised of the situation, had him put into a reformatory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They subsequently took charge of the House of Mercy, a rescue house and reformatory for young women; the Sheltering Arms orphanage; and St. Barnabas' House for homeless women and children.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reformatory" as an adjective, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reformed. For example, "reformatory measures" is more effective than simply "reformatory".

Common error

Avoid using "reformatory" when you simply mean "reform". "Reformatory" implies a structured institution or process aimed at rehabilitation, while "reform" can refer to any kind of positive change.

Linguistic Context

The word "reformatory" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a correctional institution, especially for juveniles. It also serves as an adjective, describing something intended to reform. Ludwig provides numerous examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "reformatory" functions as both a noun and an adjective, primarily referring to an institution for the rehabilitation of young offenders or describing something intended to reform. Ludwig indicates that it's grammatically correct and frequently used. Its usage spans various contexts, from News & Media to Encyclopedias. While modern language sometimes favors alternative terms like "youth detention center", "reformatory" remains a valid and understood term, particularly in historical or descriptive contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reform school

A more informal term for a reformatory, particularly for juveniles.

borstal

A term primarily used in the UK for a type of youth detention center.

training school

Emphasizes the educational and skill-building aspect of rehabilitation.

youth offender facility

Highlights the age group and the type of offense leading to institutionalization.

center for reform

Emphasizes the transformative process aimed at improving behavior or character.

correctional institution

Focuses on the institutional aspect of correction, often broader than just juvenile reform.

institution for delinquents

Specifically designates facilities for young people with behavioral problems.

rehabilitation center

Highlights the focus on restoring someone to a healthy or productive life.

juvenile detention center

Specifically refers to facilities for young offenders awaiting trial or serving short sentences.

place of rehabilitation

A general term indicating an environment designed for restorative processes.

FAQs

How is "reformatory" typically used in a sentence?

As a noun, "reformatory" refers to an institution for young offenders. As an adjective, it describes something intended to reform or improve. For example, "The judge sentenced him to a reformatory" or "The program had a reformatory effect on the inmates".

What's a good alternative for the word "reformatory"?

Depending on the context, you might use "correctional institution", "reform school", or "rehabilitation center". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "reformatory" still a commonly used term?

While "reformatory" is still understood, modern terminology often prefers terms like "youth detention center" or "correctional facility" as they are seen as less stigmatizing.

What is the difference between "reformatory" and "prison"?

"Reformatory" specifically refers to an institution focused on reforming young offenders, while "prison" is a general term for a facility where adults are incarcerated as punishment for crimes.