redevelop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Formal/Business, Urban Planning, Technical
Quick answer
What does “redevelop” mean?
To develop again, especially to improve a building or area by rebuilding or renovating it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To develop again, especially to improve a building or area by rebuilding or renovating it.
To improve, reconstruct, or reorganize something (such as a system, plan, or property) after a period of decline or obsolescence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. British English may use it slightly more frequently in public sector/planning contexts. The spelling 'redevelop' is consistent.
Connotations
In both, it carries connotations of urban renewal, gentrification, and economic investment. Can be positive (revitalization) or negative (displacement of communities).
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in general language, but high frequency in real estate, urban planning, and business contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “redevelop” in a Sentence
redevelop [OBJECT]redevelop [OBJECT] into [NEW STATE]redevelop [OBJECT] as [NEW FUNCTION][OBJECT] be redeveloped by [AGENT]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redevelop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council voted to redevelop the brownfield site for mixed-use.
- They've secured funding to redevelop the old swimming baths.
- The area was comprehensively redeveloped in the 1960s.
American English
- The city approved plans to redevelop the waterfront with retail and parks.
- The developer is looking to redevelop the property into a hotel.
- The neighborhood was redeveloped to provide affordable housing.
adverb
British English
- []
American English
- []
adjective
British English
- The redevelop ment scheme faced local opposition.
- A redevelop ment agency was established.
American English
- The redevelopment project is behind schedule.
- Redevelopment funds were allocated from the state budget.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to investment in property to increase its value or utility, e.g., 'The consortium plans to redevelop the old factory into luxury apartments.'
Academic
Used in urban studies, economics, and geography to discuss post-industrial transformation, gentrification, and sustainable development.
Everyday
Used when discussing local changes, e.g., 'They're going to redevelop the high street.' Less frequent in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific term in town planning, architecture, and construction, involving zoning laws, environmental assessments, and building codes.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redevelop”
- Confusing with 'renovate' (which is usually less extensive). Using 'redevelop' for personal self-improvement (incorrect). Misspelling as 're-develop' (usually closed form).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Renovate' means to repair and update an existing structure, often keeping its original form. 'Redevelop' implies a more radical, often large-scale change, which can involve demolition and completely new construction, typically for a new use or a significantly improved standard.
Yes, but this is a metaphorical extension. In business or academic contexts, you can 'redevelop' a strategy, model, or theory, meaning to revise or reconstruct it fundamentally. However, the primary and most common use is physical/geographical.
It is neutral in denotation but carries strong connotations that depend on context. For investors and city planners, it's positive (progress, improvement). For displaced communities or heritage activists, it can be negative (destruction of character, gentrification).
A 'brownfield site' is land previously used for industrial or commercial purposes, often contaminated, that is targeted for redevelopment. Redeveloping such sites is a key urban policy to prevent urban sprawl and clean up polluted areas.
To develop again, especially to improve a building or area by rebuilding or renovating it.
Redevelop is usually formal/business, urban planning, technical in register.
Redevelop: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːdɪˈveləp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌridəˈvɛləp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE + DEVELOP. It's to DEVELOP an area or building again (RE), but usually in a better, more modern way.
Conceptual Metaphor
CITY/AREA AS A LIVING ORGANISM (that can be healed, rejuvenated, or given new life).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'redevelop' LEAST likely to be used correctly?