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Reformation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reformation

[หŒrษ›fษ™rหˆmeษชสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

historical religious movement

The Reformation refers to the 16th-century movement for the reform of the Roman Catholic Church, which led to the establishment of Protestantism as a major branch of Christianity. It was initiated by Martin Luther, John Calvin, and other early Protestant reformers.

Synonyms

Protestant Reformation, church reform, religious reform.

Examples of usage

  • The Reformation had a profound impact on European society.
  • Many people were drawn to the ideas of the Reformation.
  • The Reformation challenged the authority of the Catholic Church.
Context #2 | Noun

modern changes or improvements

Reformation can also refer to the process of making changes or improvements in a system or organization. It is often used in a more general sense to describe reforms or transformations in various fields.

Synonyms

change, reform, transformation.

Examples of usage

  • The company underwent a reformation to improve its efficiency.
  • The government implemented a reformation of the healthcare system.
  • We need a reformation of our education system.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'reformatio', meaning 'to form again'.
  • It began in the 16th century in Europe, where many people sought to change the practices of the Catholic Church.
  • Key figures, like Martin Luther, played vital roles in the movement, famous for his '95 Theses' disputing church practices.

Cultural Impact

  • The Reformation led to the establishment of various Protestant churches, altering Christian practices forever.
  • It inspired artistic movements, resulting in significant works that reflected the new religious ideas, particularly in Germany and Switzerland.
  • New ideas about government and society emerged, influencing concepts of personal freedom and individual rights.

Literature

  • Many writings, including pamphlets and translations of the Bible, spread the ideas of the Reformation widely.
  • William Shakespeareโ€™s works often contained themes of questioning authority, mirroring the spirit of the Reformation.
  • John Calvin's writings on theology shaped not just religion but also early modern political thought.

Science

  • The Reformation coincided with the Scientific Revolution, encouraging a questioning spirit that benefitted natural sciences.
  • It paved the way for more secular thinking, which allowed for scientific inquiry free from ecclesiastical constraints.
  • Some reformers, like Galileo, faced opposition because their scientific views conflicted with religious teachings.

Psychology

  • The Reformation promoted the idea of personal faith, which affected how individuals thought about their relationship with the divine.
  • It contributed to the growth of literacy, as people desired to read the Bible themselves, which influenced cognitive development and critical thinking.
  • The movement also influenced modern psychological concepts around identity and individualism, emphasizing self-interpretation in belief systems.

Origin of 'reformation'

The word 'reformation' originated from the Latin word 'reformatio', which means 'restoration' or 'renewal'. The term became widely known and associated with the 16th-century religious movement for reform within the Christian Church. Over time, 'reformation' has also come to be used more broadly to describe any process of making changes or improvements in various contexts.

See also: reformed, reformer, reformism.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,104, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.