Reform: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ง
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reform

 

[rษชหˆfษ”หm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

education

To make changes in something, typically a social, political, or economic institution or practice, in order to improve it.

Synonyms

improve, restructure, revamp.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reform

Used for significant, often systematic changes that aim to improve a system, institution, or policy. Typically involves addressing root problems.

  • The government plans to reform the healthcare system to make it more accessible
  • The educational reform will target the outdated curriculum
improve

Used for general enhancements or making something better in terms of quality, performance, or efficiency. Doesn't necessarily imply drastic changes.

  • John wants to improve his cooking skills
  • The company aims to improve customer satisfaction
revamp

Used for more comprehensive updates or overhauls, often in a way that makes something look more modern or works better. Itโ€™s less formal and can sometimes imply a fresh new look or approach.

  • The hotel plans to revamp its lobby and rooms
  • The website needs a complete revamp to attract more visitors
restructure

Used when discussing major changes to the way an organization or system is arranged or operates, often involving the reorganization of its components.

  • The business will restructure its departments to improve efficiency
  • The financial crisis forced the bank to restructure its operations

Examples of usage

  • The government promised to reform the education system.
  • The organization is working to reform outdated policies.
Context #2 | Noun

politics

An action or process of making changes in something in order to improve it.

Synonyms

amendment, change, revision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reform

Typically used when making significant changes to improve a system, policy, or institution. It often carries a positive connotation of improvement.

  • The government plans to reform the healthcare system to make it more accessible for everyone.
  • Educational reform is necessary to ensure that students are well-prepared for the future.
change

A broad term that can be used in various situations, describing any alteration or modification. It does not inherently have a positive or negative connotation and is the most general of the terms.

  • There has been a significant change in the company's management structure.
  • Moving to a new city was a big change for her.
revision

Often used in an academic or professional setting to describe the process of reviewing and improving written material or plans. It generally implies a thorough review rather than minor adjustments.

  • The book went through several revisions before it was published.
  • The project requires a revision of the initial design to meet the new requirements.
amendment

Used when making a minor or specific change to a document, law, or agreement. It often refers to formal or official adjustments.

  • The constitution was updated with a new amendment to protect individual privacy rights.
  • They proposed an amendment to the contract to extend the deadline by one month.

Examples of usage

  • The political party proposed a reform to the tax system.
  • The country is in need of economic reforms.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'reformatio', meaning 'to form again' or 'reshape.'
  • Reform movements have played significant roles throughout history, often connecting to social justice and political change.
  • The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century was a major religious movement that transformed Christianity and European society.

Politics

  • Political reform usually involves changes in laws or policies aimed at improving governance and restoring public trust.
  • Notable examples include the civil rights movements of the 1960s in the United States, focusing on justice and equality for all citizens.
  • Reforms are often pushed by grassroots movements, advocating for changes in how power is distributed or how systems operate.

Education

  • Education reform seeks to improve teaching methods, school structures, and access to education.
  • The progressive education movement in the early 20th century aimed to make learning more engaging and less rote.
  • Modern education reforms often address technology integration to prepare students for a digital future.

Economics

  • Economic reforms can focus on changing policies to stimulate growth or adjust taxation systems.
  • The New Deal in the 1930s included a series of reforms to help the U.S. recover from the Great Depression.
  • Globalization has prompted many countries to reform economic practices to remain competitive in a connected world.

Pop Culture

  • Reform is often a prominent theme in films and literature, depicting characters who challenge the status quo for a better society.
  • Musicals like 'Les Misรฉrables' highlight the struggles for reform, portraying the deep desire for change through powerful storytelling.
  • Reality shows often showcase reform processes, whether in personal development or community revitalization.

Translations

Translations of the word "reform" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น reforma

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเคงเคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Reform

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ reformasi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะตั„ะพั€ะผะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ reforma

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ”น้ฉ (kaikaku)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rรฉforme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ reforma

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท reform

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฐœํ˜ (gaehyeok)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฅุตู„ุงุญ (islah)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ reforma

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ reforma

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ”น้ฉ (gวŽigรฉ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ reforma

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ umbรฆtur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั€ะตั„ะพั€ะผะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒ”แƒคแƒแƒ แƒ›แƒ (reforma)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ islahat

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ reforma

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,097, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.