What does reword mean?
Reword is a verb meaning to express an existing idea or message in different words. People reword sentences, explanations, notices, speeches, and legal or official language when they want a statement to be clearer, more concise, more polite, more persuasive, or better suited to a particular audience. The meaning generally remains substantially the same, although rewording can sometimes introduce a slight shift in emphasis or tone. In editing and communication, it often means revising wording without changing the underlying purpose or facts. The word is used in both formal and informal English and can be mildly critical when someone rewrites a message in order to conceal its original meaning. Related forms include the past tense and participle reworded and the gerund rewording.
To express an idea or statement using different words while retaining its general meaning.
"The author reworded the passage to make it more accessible to young readers."
Often used when revising writing or speech for clarity, tone, audience, or accuracy.
To alter the wording of a text, message, or statement.
"The committee asked us to reword the announcement before publication."
Can imply a deliberate adjustment of tone or emphasis, and occasionally an attempt to obscure the original wording.
Rewording is a reminder that changing the words can change how clearly, fairly, or persuasively an idea is received.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reword come from?
Reword is formed in English by combining the prefix re-, meaning again, with word. The verb therefore literally suggests saying or expressing something afresh in different terms. The element word comes from Germanic roots, while the prefix re- was already established in English before this modern compound was formed. The sense of expressing something again with different wording developed from the more general meaning of repeating or restating an idea.
Related word forms
How reword is actually used
Reword is neutral and common in formal and informal contexts. It often implies an improvement in clarity or appropriateness, though it can also suggest an attempt to obscure the original meaning.
Easily confused with reword
Rewording means expressing the same meaning in different words, whereas rewriting generally involves producing a substantially new version of a text.
A word is a single linguistic unit, while reword is a verb describing the act of changing how an idea is expressed.