WordGarden.ioreformulate
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪfˈɔːmjʊlˌeɪt/
US
- /riˈfɔrmjəˌleɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to express or frame something again in a different way
to change the composition or formula of a product or substance
Beyond the definition
Imagine you've built something amazing with Lego bricks, but then you realize the instructions could be improved! You don't throw away all your hard work—you reformulate your approach. That means taking what you have and shaping it again in a better way, so the same basic idea, plan, or product works more clearly or more effectively.
"Reformulate" comes from "re-" (again) and "formulate" (to create or express systematically). Scientists might reformulate a theory when new evidence appears. A chef or food company might reformulate a recipe to make it healthier. And a writer? They often reformulate sentences, paragraphs, and even whole stories. It is about taking something that already exists and giving it a new form that fits the situation better.
To reformulate means to shape, express, or compose something again in a new way. Often, the goal is to improve clarity, accuracy, usefulness, or effect. You might reformulate an argument if people do not understand it, or reformulate a scientific hypothesis if new data calls for a better version.
The word is frequently used for language, ideas, plans, recipes, and manufactured products. For example: "She had to reformulate her proposal after receiving feedback from the committee," "The company reformulated its marketing strategy to reach younger customers," or "The brand reformulated the shampoo to make it gentler on the skin."
Reformulation is not simply about changing a few words. It often means thinking again about how something is put together or presented. It suggests a deliberate effort to improve communication, solve a problem, or adapt to new circumstances. A chemist might reformulate a drug to reduce side effects, while a food company might reformulate a snack to lower the sugar or salt.
Unlike "rewrite," which often focuses mainly on words, "reformulate" can also refer to changing the structure, makeup, or design of something. It is about taking something apart, thinking through it again, and putting it back together in a better form, like rebuilding those Lego bricks into something even better.
Examples
- 1
Simple question
Could you reformulate the question in simpler English?
- 2
Email summary
She reformulated her main point as a short, clear email.
- Patternreformulate X as Y
express X in a new form
- 3
Proposal focus
After the first draft, we reformulated the proposal to focus on cost instead of speed.
- 4
Marketing strategy
The company had to reformulate its marketing strategy after sales started to fall.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Drug development
Researchers are trying to reformulate the drug so it causes fewer side effects.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- quote
- repeat verbatim
Used with (collocations)
- reformulate a question
- reformulate an argument
- reformulate a theory
- reformulate the problem
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- reformulateverb
Forms
- reformulatedpast tenseverb
- reformulating-ing formverb
- reformulatesverb