What does revising mean?
Revising means examining and correcting something in order to improve it, especially a piece of writing, a plan, an argument, or a set of figures. It usually involves more than simply reading something again: the writer or editor identifies weaknesses, mistakes, or outdated details and makes changes. In British English, revising also commonly means studying material again for an examination. The word often carries a positive connotation of care and refinement, suggesting that the original work is being made clearer, more accurate, or more effective. For example, a student might revise an essay before submitting it, while an editor might revise a manuscript for publication. The related noun revision refers both to the act of revising and to the revised version itself.
verbTo examine and correct text, an argument, or a plan, often making it more accurate, clear, or effective. In British English, it can also mean to study material again in preparation for an examination.
- To correct, improve, or update a text, account, or plan.
- To study material again in preparation for an examination, especially in British English.
"She spent the evening revising her essay before submitting it."
"The committee is revising the proposal before the meeting on Monday."
"She has been revising for her history exam all week."
Revising is the word behind the repeated cycle of writing, editing, and making a good draft stronger.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does revising come from?
The word comes from the Latin revidere, formed from re- meaning ‘back’ or ‘again’ and videre meaning ‘to see’. English borrowed the verb through French in the late sixteenth century, initially in the sense of reviewing or examining something again. It later developed the modern meanings of correcting or improving a text and, in British usage, preparing for an examination. The related noun revision and the form reviser preserve the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How revising is actually used
The word is commonly used as the present participle of revise and as a gerund. In British English, the sense of preparing for an examination is especially common; in American English, review or study is more often used for that meaning.
Easily confused with revising
Revising usually implies correcting or improving a text, idea, or plan, whereas reviewing can mean examining something more generally or giving an assessment.