Redact Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📝

Add to dictionary

redact

[rɪˈdækt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

editing text

To edit or revise written material for accuracy, clarity, or style.

Synonyms

correct, edit, modify, revise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
redact	Used mainly when preparing written material for publication, often implying removal or adjustment for confidentiality or clarity. The lawyer had to redact sensitive information from the contract before sharing it. She spent hours redacting the report to ensure it met the company's standards.
revise	Used when re-examining and making substantial changes to a document or plan, often suggesting improvement or update based on new information. The author decided to revise the manuscript after receiving feedback. The team spent the weekend revising their strategy for the upcoming presentation.
edit	Used broadly for making changes, improvements, or polishes to any text, video, or audio material. She edited the video to make it more engaging. The book was edited by a professional to ensure there were no errors.
modify	Used when changes are made to a document, item, or plan to adapt it for a specific purpose or improvement. They had to modify the project plan due to budget constraints. The software was modified to meet the client's needs.
correct	Used when addressing and fixing mistakes or errors in written or spoken content. Please correct the spelling mistakes in the document. He corrected her pronunciation during the language lesson.

Examples of usage

He redacted the report to remove any sensitive information.
The editor redacted the article to improve its readability.
The author redacted the manuscript before sending it to the publisher.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

legal documents

The process of editing or preparing a document for publication or presentation.

Synonyms

editing, preparation, revision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
redact	Applied in formal or legal settings, usually referring to the process of censoring or obscuring part of a document for legal or security reasons. The lawyer had to redact several sensitive details from the contract before sharing it with the client.
editing	Commonly used when referring to the process of reviewing and improving text or multimedia content, such as articles, essays, videos, or photos, for general purposes. She spent the afternoon editing her term paper to ensure there were no grammatical errors.
preparation	Used when talking about getting materials or content ready for publication or presentation, including organizing and making sure everything is in order. The team is in the final stages of preparation for the product launch event next week.
revision	Often used in academic or professional contexts where there is a need to review, update, and improve content based on feedback or new information. After receiving comments from her professor, she focused on the revision of her thesis to clarify her arguments.

Examples of usage

The redaction of the contract took longer than expected.
Careful redaction is necessary when handling sensitive legal information.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'redact'

The word 'redact' originated from the Latin word 'redactus', which means 'brought back'. It was first used in the English language in the late 18th century. Originally, 'redact' meant to put in writing or to frame a literary work. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to the editing or revising of written material. Today, 'redact' is commonly used in the context of editing documents, especially legal texts.

See also: red, redden, reddening, reddish, redfish, redneck, redness, redolent.