Rewrite: meaning, definitions and examples

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rewrite

[riːˈraɪt ]

Definitions

^{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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and 'write' from Old English 'writan', meaning to scratch or draw.
The concept of writing again is found in various languages, indicating a common need for revision in communication.

Literature

Many famous authors, including Ernest Hemingway, believed in the importance of rewriting to refine their prose.
Rewriting is often part of the writing process taught in schools, emphasizing that good writing takes time and care.

Education

Educational programs encourage students to rewrite their essays to improve clarity and argumentation skills.
Peer review systems often involve rewriting as students provide feedback to each other on their work.

Technology

In programming, rewriting code can help optimize performance and make software more efficient.
Many modern text editing tools feature 'revision history', allowing writers to see changes made during the rewriting process.

Psychology

The rewriting process in therapy encourages individuals to reframe their narratives about past events, promoting healing.
Cognitive behavioral approaches often involve rewriting thought patterns to influence mood and behavior positively.

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

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.

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15023 admittance
15024 multiples
15025 itemized
15026 rewrite
15027 thorium
15028 masterly
15029 preservative
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