Reword Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reword

[riหหˆwษœหd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

writing

To express the meaning of (something written or spoken) using different words, especially to achieve greater clarity.

Synonyms

paraphrase, rephrase, rewrite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reword

When you need to change the wording of a sentence but maintain the same meaning, often to clarify or simplify the language.

  • The teacher asked me to reword my essay to make it clearer
  • Can you reword this sentence for me?
rephrase

When you need to change the way you say something, usually to improve clarity or to approach it from a different angle, often in speaking.

  • Let me rephrase that question so it's easier to understand
  • He rephrased his argument in a more convincing way
paraphrase

When you need to express the meaning of something written or spoken using different words, often to make it shorter or easier to understand.

  • In your own words, paraphrase what the author said in this paragraph
  • She paraphrased his speech for the audience
rewrite

When you need to write something again from the beginning, usually to improve it significantly or to correct it.

  • The editor asked me to rewrite the entire article
  • After receiving feedback, she had to rewrite her report

Examples of usage

  • Can you reword this paragraph for me?
  • I need to reword this sentence to make it more concise.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • In language studies, rewording is known as paraphrasing, which involves restating ideas in a new way.
  • Effective rewording can improve clarity, especially in academic or technical writing, making complex ideas accessible.
  • Training in rewording can enhance vocabulary, as it encourages the use of synonyms and varied expressions.

Writing Techniques

  • Many writers use rewording to avoid repetition and maintain reader interest throughout their work.
  • Professional editors often reword phrases to enhance flow, readability, and overall impact of a text.
  • In creative writing, rewording can help develop unique voices by transforming common phrases into original compositions.

Education

  • Teachers encourage students to reword their sentences as a way to help them understand the material better.
  • Rewording aids in developing critical thinking, requiring students to analyze content and express it differently.
  • Students often practice rewording to prepare for essays, helping to deepen their comprehension of topics.

Digital Communication

  • In the digital age, tools like paraphrasing software assist users in rewording text for enhanced originality.
  • Social media platforms promote rewording through captions and hashtags, where users modify messages to fit character limits or styles.
  • Online content creators frequently reword ideas to provide fresh insights and avoid plagiarism in their work.

Origin of 'reword'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 're-' means to do something again, while 'word' comes from the Old English 'word', meaning a unit of language.
  • The concept of rewording has existed since the development of language to enhance understanding and expression.
  • Rewording is common in translation practices, aiming to convey the same sense in different languages.

The word 'reword' originated from the combination of 're-' (meaning again) and 'word'. It first appeared in the English language in the 16th century. The concept of rewording has been essential in communication to convey information more effectively and clearly.


See also: foreword, rewording, worded, wordily, wordiness, wording, wordless, wordlessly, wordplay, wordsmith, wordy.