What does rethink mean?
Rethink means to think again about something with the possibility of reaching a different or better conclusion. The word is especially common when discussing plans, designs, strategies, assumptions, and methods that may no longer be the most effective. It often implies that new information, criticism, or experience has made the original approach seem inadequate, though it can also be used more generally to describe deliberate reconsideration. In British and American English, “rethink” is normally transitive, as in “rethink the strategy,” and its related forms “rethought” and “rethinking” are standard. Compared with “reconsider,” which can simply mean to think something over before a decision, “rethink” often suggests active revision or replacement. The word is useful for describing the process by which people move beyond familiar assumptions and develop a more effective approach.
verbTo consider an idea, plan, or situation again in order to change or improve it. To rethink something is to approach it afresh, often after new information or experience has revealed a problem with the original approach.
- To consider an idea, plan, or method again, especially with the possibility of changing it.
- To revise one's thinking or approach in response to new information, criticism, or experience.
"The committee had to rethink its strategy after the proposal proved impractical."
"After hearing the concerns raised by users, the designer rethought the layout of the application."
"It is sometimes necessary to rethink our assumptions about how the system should work."
To rethink is not merely to reconsider: it means putting the original plan back on the table and asking whether a better version is possible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rethink come from?
“Rethink” was formed in the 18th century by combining the prefix “re-” with “think,” meaning to think again or consider anew. “Think” comes from Old English “þencan,” which had senses related to thinking, remembering, and intending. The English word has relatives in several Germanic languages, including Dutch “denken” and German “denken,” while “thought,” “thinking,” and “thoughtful” belong to the same English word family.
Related word forms
How rethink is actually used
Usually transitive and slightly more emphatic than “reconsider.” It is common in professional, educational, and public discussion, while the simple past “rethought” and the gerund “rethinking” are widely used.
Easily confused with rethink
Reconsider generally means to think about something again before deciding or acting, whereas rethink more strongly suggests changing or replacing an existing idea, plan, or method.