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reformulation

A2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /rɪfˌɔːmjʊlˈeɪʃən/

US

  • /rɪfˌɔːrmjʊlˈeɪʃən/

Description

Imagine you're building with LEGOs. You have a creation, but it doesn't quite work. Reformulation is like taking those pieces apart and rebuilding them in a new way to get a better result. It means expressing something - an idea, a plan, even a recipe - in a different form, often to make it clearer or better. A chef might reformulate a dish to make it healthier, while a scientist might reformulate a theory based on new evidence.

Think of it like polishing a gem - the core stays the same, but the presentation improves. You might hear about "product reformulation" when companies change ingredients in food or cosmetics, or "policy reformulation" when governments update laws. It's all about making something better by thinking it through again and expressing it in a new way.

Examples

  1. 1

    Simpler wording

    The final sentence is a reformulation of the same point in simpler language.

    • Pattern

      a reformulation of + idea/text

      a new way of expressing it

  2. 2

    Editorial advice

    After the interview, the editor suggested a reformulation of the opening question.

  3. 3

    Public explanation

    Her article offers a reformulation of the debate for readers with no scientific background.

  4. 4

    Policy goals

    The new policy is less a complete change than a reformulation of earlier goals.

  5. 5

    Teaching problem

    Several reformulations of the problem were tested before the team found one that students understood quickly.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • reformulationnoun