Redefine
/ˌriːdɪˈfaɪn/
Definitions
To define something again or in a different way.
/ˌriːdɪˈfaɪn/
To define something again or differently.
The artist wanted to redefine the boundaries of modern art.
💡 Simply: Imagine you and your friends used to think 'cool' meant only a specific brand of sneakers. If you started calling anything awesome, no matter the brand, 'cool', then you'd be redefining the word. It's like giving a word a new set of rules.
👶 For kids: To explain a word or idea again, but in a new way.
More Examples
The new law aims to redefine the relationship between the government and its citizens.
The company had to redefine its goals after the market crash.
How It's Used
"The company is looking to redefine its market strategy."
"Sociologists often redefine social norms."
Idioms & expressions
Redefine the game
To change the rules or nature of an activity, profession, or industry.
"His innovative approach redefined the game of marketing."
Redefining the terms
To change the basic understanding or conditions of something, especially in a negotiation.
"They are currently redefining the terms of the agreement."
From re- (again) + define. The verb 'define' comes from the Latin 'definire', meaning 'to set limits'.
Used since the late 18th century, originally in the sense of 'to define again'. Became more prevalent in the 20th and 21st centuries with the growth of fields like marketing and social sciences.
Memory tip
Think of RE-doing the definition.