Repurpose Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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repurpose
[riːˈpɜːrpəʊz ]
Definition
reuse old materials
To repurpose means to take an item or material and use it for a different purpose than originally intended. This process often involves creativity and ingenuity to transform something into a new and useful form.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| repurpose |
When you take an item and give it a new function, often different from its original purpose.
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| reuse |
When you use an item again for the same or similar purpose without significantly altering it.
|
| recycle |
When you process used materials to create new products, typically through specialized facilities.
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| upcycle |
When you creatively transform waste materials or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or environmental value.
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Examples of usage
- Many artists repurpose old objects to create unique pieces of art.
- She repurposed the old wooden crates into shelves for her home.
- The company repurposed the abandoned factory into a trendy office space.
Translations
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Origin of 'repurpose'
The word 'repurpose' originated in the late 20th century as a term in the field of environmental sustainability and design. It emphasizes the idea of giving new life to existing materials or objects rather than discarding them. The concept of repurposing has gained popularity in recent years as a way to reduce waste and promote creativity.
See also: multipurpose, purposed, purposeful, purposefully, purposeless, purposelessly, purposelessness, purposes, repurposing.