reconcentration: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal
Quick answer
What does “reconcentration” mean?
The act of concentrating something again.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of concentrating something again; a renewed focus on a particular thing or group.
Historically, a policy involving the forced relocation and confinement of a civilian population into controlled camps, often for political or military purposes. In a business/management context, it can refer to a strategic shift back to a company's core activities or assets.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in form or core meaning. Historical usage is understood in both varieties.
Connotations
For historical/political audiences, it immediately evokes specific historical events (e.g., Spanish policy in Cuba, Boer War, Vietnam War). In business contexts, it's a neutral, technical term.
Frequency
Rare in both varieties, slightly more likely in historical or specialist academic writing in the UK due to British Empire studies.
Grammar
How to Use “reconcentration” in a Sentence
reconcentration of [NP]reconcentration into [NP (camps/areas)][Noun/Policy] of reconcentrationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reconcentration” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The army was ordered to reconcentrate its forces around the capital.
- We need to reconcentrate our efforts on the original project goals.
American English
- The company decided to reconcentrate its investments in the domestic market.
- After the setback, the team reconcentrated on fundamentals.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form 'reconcentratedly' is used.)
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The reconcentration policy was controversial. (used attributively)
- They lived in a reconcentration zone.
American English
- The general issued reconcentration orders.
- The report discussed reconcentration camps.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a corporate strategy of selling off peripheral assets to refocus on the core business: 'The CEO announced a reconcentration on our industrial engineering division.'
Academic
Used in historical, political, and military studies to describe specific policies of population control: 'The Spanish reconcentration policy in Cuba aimed to deprive rebels of civilian support.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used humorously or metaphorically: 'After the holidays, I need a serious reconcentration on my diet.'
Technical
In military science, refers to the gathering of dispersed forces into a central location. In chemistry/physics, the process of increasing the strength of a solution or focus again.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reconcentration”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reconcentration”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reconcentration”
- Misspelling as 're-concentration' (hyphen usually omitted in modern usage).
- Confusing with 'concentration' (lacks the 'again' element).
- Using in everyday contexts where 'refocus' or 'regroup' is more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, formal word used primarily in historical, political, or specific business/technical writing.
The Spanish 'reconcentración' policy in Cuba (1896-1898) and the British use of concentration camps during the Second Boer War (1899-1902) are the most cited examples.
It would be highly unusual and sound overly formal or even pretentious. Use 'refocusing', 'getting back to work', or 'concentrating again' instead.
'Concentration' is the initial act of focusing or gathering. 'Reconcentration' implies that focus or gathering was lost or dispersed, and is now being done *again* or *anew*.
The act of concentrating something again.
Reconcentration is usually formal in register.
Reconcentration: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriː.kɒn.sənˈtreɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriː.kɑːn.sənˈtreɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 're-concentration': CONCENTRATION again (RE-). Like re-focusing your mind, or people being forced (re-)into concentrated camps.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTENTION/PEOPLE ARE A LIQUID (that can be gathered and concentrated into a small area again). CONTROL IS HOLDING (re-taking hold of a scattered thing).
Practice
Quiz
In a modern business context, 'reconcentration' most likely refers to: