Rewrite: meaning, definitions and examples

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rewrite

 

[ riːˈraɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

writing

To write something again in a different way, usually to improve it or make it clearer.

Synonyms

amend, rephrase, revise, rework.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rewrite

This is typically used when you need to completely write something again, often from scratch, to improve clarity or structure.

  • I need to rewrite the whole article because it doesn't make sense
  • The programmer had to rewrite the code to fix the bugs
rephrase

This is used when you need to express the same idea in different words, often to make it clearer or simpler.

  • Could you rephrase that sentence to make it easier to understand? She asked him to rephrase his question because it was too complicated
revise

This is often used in academic or professional settings when you need to review and alter a text for improvement, including making corrections and updates.

  • I need to revise my essay before submitting it
  • The manuscript has been revised multiple times by the editors
rework

This is used when you need to make significant changes to improve a piece of work or fix issues, often indicating more extensive modifications than 'amend' or 'revise'.

  • The designer had to rework the layout after receiving client feedback
  • We need to rework this chapter because it's not engaging enough
amend

This word is generally used when you need to make minor changes or corrections to a document or text, like adding or altering small parts.

  • Can you amend the minutes of the meeting to include John's comments? We need to amend the contract to reflect the new dates

Examples of usage

  • I need to rewrite this paragraph to make it more concise.
  • She decided to rewrite the ending of her novel for a happier conclusion.
Context #2 | Verb

plagiarism

To write something again using different words in order to avoid plagiarism.

Synonyms

paraphrase, rephrase, restate, reword.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rewrite

Used when the text needs to be written again completely, often with significant changes in structure and content.

  • The teacher asked me to rewrite the essay because it was off-topic
  • The script was rewritten to fit the new storyline
paraphrase

Used when you want to express the meaning of something using different words, often to make the original text clearer or simpler.

  • Can you paraphrase this paragraph to make it easier to understand? The presenter paraphrased the complex theory for the audience
reword

Used when you want to change the wording of a text slightly, often to improve its clarity or formality.

  • I need to reword this sentence to make it more formal
  • Can you reword this so that it sounds more professional?
rephrase

Used when you want to change the wording of a sentence or phrase without altering its original meaning, often for clarity or impact.

  • Let me rephrase the question so everyone understands it better
  • If I may rephrase, what you are saying is that we need more time
restate

Used when you want to say something again in a different way, often to emphasize or clarify the original statement.

  • To make sure everyone is clear, let me restate the main points
  • She restated her argument to highlight its importance

Examples of usage

  • He had to rewrite the essay because it was too similar to someone else's work.
  • After being caught plagiarizing, she promised to rewrite all her papers from scratch.

Translations

Translations of the word "rewrite" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reescrever

🇮🇳 पुनर्लेखन करना

🇩🇪 umschreiben

🇮🇩 menulis ulang

🇺🇦 переписати

🇵🇱 przepisać

🇯🇵 書き直す

🇫🇷 réécrire

🇪🇸 reescribir

🇹🇷 yeniden yazmak

🇰🇷 다시 쓰다

🇸🇦 إعادة كتابة

🇨🇿 přepsat

🇸🇰 prepísať

🇨🇳 重写

🇸🇮 prepisati

🇮🇸 endurskrifa

🇰🇿 қайта жазу

🇬🇪 ხელახლა დაწერა

🇦🇿 yenidən yazmaq

🇲🇽 reescribir

Etymology

The word 'rewrite' originated from the combination of 're-' meaning 'again' and 'write'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of rewriting has been essential in literature, journalism, and academic writing to enhance clarity, originality, and avoid plagiarism.

See also: overwrite, underwrite, underwriter, writ, write, writer, writers, writing, written.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,026, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.