What does redefine mean?
Redefine means to describe or understand something again in a new way. The word is commonly used when a concept, boundary, role, or standard is being changed or reconsidered: for example, a study may redefine how success is measured, or new technology may redefine communication. It is more forceful than restate, which can simply mean to say something again, and it differs from refine, which usually means to improve precision or quality without fundamentally changing the underlying concept. Redefine can imply deliberate revision, especially in academic and public debate, but it does not necessarily mean that the earlier definition was wrong. The related noun redefinition describes the act or result of defining something anew.
verbTo define or describe something again, especially in a different or revised way. It can also mean to change the meaning, boundaries, or understanding of something.
- To define or describe something again, especially in a new or more accurate way.
- To change the meaning, scope, or boundaries of a term, concept, institution, or area of life.
"The researchers redefined the boundaries of the study after reviewing the evidence."
"The study redefined what counts as a healthy diet."
"New technology may redefine the relationship between workers and employers."
Redefine is the verb for changing not just the wording of an idea, but the idea itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redefine come from?
Redefine was formed in English by combining the prefix re-, meaning again, with define, meaning to state or determine the meaning of something. Its development follows the history of define, which comes from Latin definire, from de-, meaning apart or away, and finis, meaning end or boundary. The related forms definition and definitive also reflect this Latin root, while French definitions and related cognates developed through the same Latin word.
Related word forms
How redefine is actually used
Common in academic, political, technological, and social contexts. It often implies a significant change in interpretation or organization rather than a minor clarification.
Easily confused with redefine
Redefine means to formulate or describe something anew, whereas refine means to improve or make something more precise.