WordGarden.iorewrite
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /riːˈraɪt/verb
US
- /ˈriˌraɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to write something again in a different or improved form
to write code or software again, often from scratch or in a new form
Noun
a rewritten version of a text, script, article, or similar work
Beyond the definition
To rewrite something is not just to copy it again. It means changing the words, and often the structure, so the result works better. You might do this to make an email sound more professional, to make a story more exciting, or to make instructions easier to follow.
People often do it when the first version does not feel right. They also do it for a new audience, such as turning a hard article into something children can understand. In that sense, rewriting is less about starting from nothing and more about taking what is already there and shaping it into a better version.
To rewrite means to write something again, usually to improve it, change it, or make it fit a new purpose. It goes beyond simple editing. Rewriting often involves clear changes to the wording, structure, and sometimes even the overall message.
You might rewrite a draft of an essay after receiving feedback from a teacher, aiming for greater clarity and stronger arguments. A journalist might rewrite a story to fit a different publication's style guide or to include new information. Programmers frequently rewrite code to make it more efficient or fix bugs.
Context is key: rewriting can be a creative process—like reimagining a scene in a novel—or a practical one, such as revising a legal document for accuracy. It is also used metaphorically. You might say someone "rewrites their own history," meaning they present past events in a new light to suit their current narrative.
Unlike simply correcting errors (which focuses on fixing mistakes), rewriting is about actively reshaping the text. Think of it as taking something already written and giving it a fresh start—a second chance to shine. So, whether you're polishing prose, refining code, or retelling a story, to rewrite is to reshape words for a new purpose or improved effect.
Examples
- 1
Schoolwork
I had to rewrite my essay after the teacher returned it.
- 2
Tone
She rewrote the email so it sounded less angry.
- 3
Film production
The ending was rewritten three times before the film was released.
- 4
Younger readers
The publisher rewrote the book for younger readers.
- Patternrewrite something for + audience
change it to suit a different reader
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Starting over
The article was rewritten from scratch when new facts came out.
- Phrasefrom scratch
from the beginning, not by making small changes
- 6
Political criticism
The senator was accused of trying to rewrite history.
- Phraserewrite history
describe past events in a false or misleading way
- 7
Business change
Streaming services have rewritten the rules of the music business.
- Phraserewrite the rules
change the usual way something works
See also
Forms and spellings
9 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- rewritenounverb
Forms
- re-writtenpast participleverbnoun
- re-writing-ing formverbnoun
- re-wrotepast tenseverbnoun
- re-writesverbnoun
- rewrittenpast participleverbnoun
- rewriting-ing formverbnoun
- rewrotepast tenseverbnoun
- rewritespluralnounverb