redevelop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

B2-C1
UK/ˌriːdɪˈveləp/US/ˌridəˈvɛləp/

Formal/Business, Urban Planning, Technical

My Flashcards

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

strong
areasitelandbrownfield sitecity centrehousingpropertyplanscheme
medium
commerciallyextensivelycompletelysuccessfullyjointly
weak
aim topropose toseek toopportunity toproject to

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.

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “redevelop”

deterioratedeclineneglectabandondemolish (without rebuilding)

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

Fill in the gap
The city awarded the contract to the derelict railway station into a modern transport hub.
Multiple Choice

In which context is the word 'redevelop' LEAST likely to be used correctly?