reconstitute: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “reconstitute” mean?
To build something again, especially after it has been damaged or lost.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To build something again, especially after it has been damaged or lost; to restore to its former state or composition.
To change the form of something (e.g., dried food by adding water) so that it resembles its original or usable state; to reorganize or re-establish an organization or body.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. More common in British official/governmental contexts (e.g., 'reconstituting a committee'). In both varieties, the literal meaning (adding water to food) is standard.
Connotations
In British administrative contexts, can imply formal re-establishment with possibly altered membership or terms.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in both. Slightly more common in technical, academic, and administrative registers.
Grammar
How to Use “reconstitute” in a Sentence
[VN] reconstitute sth[VN] [into N] reconstitute sth into sth[V-refl] the group reconstituted itselfVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reconstitute” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council will reconstitute the working party next month.
- You need to reconstitute the orange juice concentrate with cold water.
American English
- The board moved to reconstitute the executive committee.
- Reconstitute the dried mushrooms by soaking them in warm water for 20 minutes.
adjective
British English
- The reconstituted committee held its first meeting.
- He drank a glass of reconstituted orange juice.
American English
- They faced a reconstituted panel of judges.
- She used reconstituted lemon juice for the recipe.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The board voted to reconstitute the audit committee with new external members.
Academic
Historians attempt to reconstitute past events from fragmentary evidence.
Everyday
Just add boiling water to reconstitute the dried soup mix.
Technical
The experiment required us to reconstitute the lyophilized enzyme buffer.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reconstitute”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reconstitute”
- Confusing with 'reconstruct' (more physical/buildings) or 'reconnaissance' (military scouting). Using 'reconstitute' for people returning ('The family reconstituted' is odd; use 'reunited').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Reconstitute' focuses on restoring the original composition, form, or function of something (often by adding missing elements like liquid). 'Reconstruct' focuses on building a physical structure or a sequence of events again, often from ruins or evidence.
Yes, particularly in formal or academic contexts. It implies piecing together fragments to form a coherent whole (e.g., 'reconstitute the narrative from witness statements').
Not necessarily. 'Reconstituted' simply means water has been added back to a dehydrated product (e.g., milk, juice). The health value depends on the original product's nutritional content.
Yes, 'reconstitution' (e.g., 'the reconstitution of the committee', 'the reconstitution of dried peas').
To build something again, especially after it has been damaged or lost.
Reconstitute is usually formal in register.
Reconstitute: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈkɒnstɪtjuːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈkɑːnstɪtuːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-CONSTITUTE. 'Constitute' means to form or make up. So, to 're-constitute' is to form it AGAIN.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE AS A LIQUID (to reconstitute is to bring back to life by adding liquid).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'reconstitute' CORRECTLY?