remake
B2Neutral to formal, widely used in media, arts, and business contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To make something again, especially a film, song, or product.
A new version of an existing creative work; to reconstruct or redo something with changes.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, often refers specifically to films; as a verb, can apply to objects, systems, or creative works. Implies both recreation and alteration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling identical.
Connotations
Slightly more common in American media discourse about film/TV.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] remake something[noun] a remake of somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A remake of one's life”
- “Remake the rules”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company decided to remake its flagship product with sustainable materials.
Academic
The study critiques the cultural implications of Hollywood remakes.
Everyday
I'm going to remake this dress to fit better.
Technical
The software team will remake the user interface based on feedback.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They plan to remake the classic series for a modern audience.
- She decided to remake the curtains using a different fabric.
American English
- The studio will remake that 80s movie next year.
- He's trying to remake his public image after the scandal.
adverb
British English
- The scene was shot remake-style.
- It was done remake-quickly.
American English
- They produced it remake-fast.
- He directed it remake-carefully.
adjective
British English
- This is a remake version of the original game.
- The remake album features contemporary artists.
American English
- The remake film has updated special effects.
- They released a remake model of the popular car.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I will remake my bed.
- This is a remake of a famous song.
- The director wants to remake the old film.
- They are selling a remake of the popular toy.
- The remake of the classic novel as a film sparked debate among fans.
- The company had to remake the product after the design flaw was discovered.
- Critics panned the remake for lacking the nuance of the original, despite its technical prowess.
- The initiative seeks to remake the educational curriculum from the ground up.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RE + MAKE = to make again. Think of REdoing a MAKEover.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATION IS MANUFACTURING (we 'make' films, songs, images).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'переделывать' when meaning minor fixes; 'remake' implies a substantial new version.
- Not equivalent to 'ремейк' in Russian which is a direct loanword but used more narrowly for films/music.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'remake' for simple repairs (use 'fix' or 'repair').
- Confusing noun/verb stress: noun often /ˈriːmeɪk/, verb /ˌriːˈmeɪk/ in careful speech.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'remake' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A remake recreates a specific existing work (e.g., a film). A reboot restarts a franchise, often with new continuity, not directly redoing one story.
Yes. As a noun: 'The remake is better.' As a verb: 'They will remake the song.'
No. A remake usually involves updates, changes, or reinterpretation while retaining the core of the original work.
It is neutral. Common in both everyday and professional contexts, especially media, arts, and manufacturing.