reformulate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 / Low Frequency / Academic & TechnicalFormal, academic, technical, business. Rare in casual speech.
Quick answer
What does “reformulate” mean?
to express or state something again, but in a different way, to make it clearer or more suitable.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to express or state something again, but in a different way, to make it clearer or more suitable.
In specialized contexts (e.g., science, business), it can mean to alter the composition, structure, or plan of something; to rework a formula, theory, or product.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. The word is equally used in formal registers in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English in formal/academic writing, but the difference is marginal.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and formal in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “reformulate” in a Sentence
[NP] reformulate [NP] (e.g., reformulate a plan)[NP] reformulate [NP] as [NP] (e.g., reformulate the problem as an equation)[NP] reformulate [NP] in terms of [NP] (e.g., reformulate the theory in terms of quantum mechanics)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reformulate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The researcher had to reformulate her hypothesis after the unexpected results.
- The company will reformulate its sustainability policy following the consultation.
American English
- The lawyer was asked to reformulate the question for the witness.
- We need to reformulate the product to remove allergens.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb derived directly from 'reformulate' exists.]
American English
- [No standard adverb derived directly from 'reformulate' exists.]
adjective
British English
- [The adjective 'reformulated' is common] The reformulated proposal was accepted unanimously.
- [No standard adjective 'reformulative' is in common use.]
American English
- [The adjective 'reformulated' is common] The reformulated software patch fixed the bug.
- [No standard adjective 'reformulative' is in common use.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used when revising a business plan, marketing strategy, or financial model to adapt to new market conditions.
Academic
Common in scientific writing when a theory or hypothesis is modified based on new evidence.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used to ask someone to say something differently for clarity.
Technical
Used in chemistry/pharma to describe changing a product's ingredients (e.g., 'reformulate a cleaner to be eco-friendly').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reformulate”
- Using 'reformulate' when a simpler word like 'explain again' or 'say differently' would suffice, making speech sound unnatural.
- Confusing spelling: 'reformualte' (incorrect). Remember it's based on 'formula'.
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'He reformulated.' is incomplete; it needs an object).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Rephrase' focuses solely on changing the wording for clarity or style. 'Reformulate' implies a deeper, more structural change, often to the content, concept, or composition itself, not just its expression. Reformulating often leads to a substantively new version.
It's possible but sounds quite formal. In casual talk, native speakers are more likely to say 'say it differently', 'put it another way', 'explain again', or 'reword that'.
No. While common for ideas and statements, it's frequently used in science, business, and manufacturing to mean changing the formula, plan, or structure of something tangible (e.g., reformulate a medicine, a business plan, a plastic).
The most common noun is 'reformulation'. (e.g., 'The reformulation of the theory took several years.')
to express or state something again, but in a different way, to make it clearer or more suitable.
Reformulate is usually formal, academic, technical, business. rare in casual speech. in register.
Reformulate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈfɔː.mjʊ.leɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈfɔːr.mjə.leɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly with 'reformulate']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE + FORMULATE. Just like a chemist might need to RE-make a FORMULA for a new medicine, you RE-make the FORMULATION of your words.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING/COMMUNICATING IS COOKING/CHEMISTRY (You take the raw ideas, adjust the 'recipe' or 'formula', and produce a new, better version.)
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is 'reformulate' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?