rethink
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪθˈɪŋk/
US
- /riˈθɪŋk/
Description
- Consider again
- Look at it differently
- Review your decision
- Change your mind
Sometimes the first answer is not the best one. That's where "rethink" comes in. To rethink something is to look at it again, often because your first idea was not working or because new information appeared. It's like hitting "undo" on a big decision, taking a step back and saying, "Hmm, maybe I need to look at this differently." A chef might rethink a recipe if the first attempt tastes bland, and an architect might rethink building plans after finding unstable ground. You do not always change your mind when you rethink something, but you do give it another careful look.
To rethink means to think about something again, often with a new perspective or because of new information. It implies a process of re-evaluation: questioning assumptions, considering other options, and sometimes changing course. Unlike simply thinking about something, rethinking suggests that your first idea was not fully satisfactory or has been challenged by events.
You might rethink a strategy at work if it's not yielding the desired results: "We need to rethink our marketing campaign; it isn't attracting enough customers." Or you might rethink a personal decision after some reflection: "After talking it over with my friend, I had to rethink my plans for the weekend."
The context often suggests some degree of difficulty or importance. It is less often used for very trivial decisions ("I need to rethink what cereal to eat"). Instead, it is usually applied to situations where careful thought and possible changes are needed. It can also imply admitting that you were wrong or that your first approach had a problem, which shows a willingness to learn and adapt.
So, when you face a challenge or a changing situation, do not be afraid to rethink. It is a sign of intelligence and adaptability, and it can help you improve your ideas and get better results.
Examples
- 1
Travel plans
After the storm, we had to rethink our travel plans.
- 2
Workplace policy
The company is rethinking its hiring policy after months of complaints.
- 3
Essay organization
Her teacher's feedback made her rethink how she organized her essay.
Pattern
rethink how ...
think again about the best way to do something
- 4
Product launch
Poor sales forced the team to rethink whether the product was ready to launch.
Pattern
rethink whether ...
consider again if something is true or right
- 5
Polite warning
You may want to rethink that email before you hit send.
Usage
You may want to rethink ...
a polite way to say someone's idea or action seems unwise
- 6
Personal values
Becoming a parent made him rethink what success really meant.
Forms and spellings
7 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- rethinknounverb
Forms
- re-thoughtpast tensepast participleverbnoun
- re-thinking-ing formverbnoun
- re-thinksverbnoun
- rethinking-ing formverbnoun
- rethoughtpast tensepast participleverbnoun
- rethinksverbnoun