redefine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “redefine” mean?
To define something again or differently, often to update or change its meaning.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To define something again or differently, often to update or change its meaning.
To give a new interpretation or significance to something, such as roles, standards, or concepts, in various contexts like personal, professional, or academic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences; usage is consistent in both varieties.
Connotations
Both convey connotations of change, update, and improvement, with no notable variance in emotional or contextual tone.
Frequency
Equally common in British and American English, frequently used in formal and semi-formal registers.
Grammar
How to Use “redefine” in a Sentence
transitive: redefine somethingtransitive with complement: redefine something as somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redefine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The committee aims to redefine the policy guidelines.
- She sought to redefine her artistic style.
American English
- The committee plans to redefine the policy standards.
- She wants to redefine her artistic approach.
adjective
British English
- The redefined objectives are now more achievable.
- A redefined framework was introduced.
American English
- The redefined goals are now more realistic.
- A redefined structure was implemented.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Commonly used to describe changing company strategies, brand identities, or market positions, e.g., 'The firm redefined its customer service approach.'
Academic
Frequent in theoretical or research contexts to update definitions, frameworks, or paradigms, e.g., 'The study redefines historical narratives.'
Everyday
Less common but used in personal development or lifestyle contexts, e.g., 'He redefined his priorities after the experience.'
Technical
Applied in fields like computing or engineering to update algorithms, systems, or parameters, e.g., 'The update redefines the network protocols.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redefine”
- Using 'redefine' when 'define' is sufficient for an initial definition.
- Mispronouncing with equal stress on syllables; correct stress is on the third syllable 'fine'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Define' means to establish the meaning of something initially, while 'redefine' means to establish it again, often with alterations or updates based on new insights or contexts.
While 'redefine' is neutral to formal, it can be used in informal settings when discussing personal changes or updates, but it is more common in professional or academic discourse.
Yes, 'redefine' is frequently used with abstract concepts, e.g., 'redefine happiness' to indicate a new personal or cultural understanding.
A common error is placing stress on the first syllable; correct pronunciation stresses the third syllable 'fine', as in /ˌriːdɪˈfaɪn/ in both British and American English.
To define something again or differently, often to update or change its meaning.
Redefine: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːdɪˈfaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːdɪˈfaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “redefine the rules”
- “redefine oneself”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 're-' meaning 'again' and 'define' meaning 'to explain meaning', so 'redefine' is to explain the meaning again or in a new way.
Conceptual Metaphor
REDEFINING IS REMAPPING or CHANGE IS REDEFINITION
Practice
Quiz
What does 'redefine' primarily imply?