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View synonyms for

reform

[ ri-fawrm ]

noun

  1. the improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, unsatisfactory, etc.:

    social reform; spelling reform.

    Synonyms: , , ,

    Antonyms:

  2. an instance of this.
  3. the amendment of conduct, belief, etc.


verb (used with object)

  1. to change to a better state, form, etc.; improve by alteration, substitution, abolition, etc.

    Synonyms: , , , , , , ,

  2. to cause (a person) to abandon wrong or evil ways of life or conduct.
  3. to put an end to (abuses, disorders, etc.).
  4. Chemistry. to subject to the process of reforming, as in refining petroleum.

verb (used without object)

  1. to abandon evil conduct or error:

    The drunkard promised to reform.

adjective

  1. (initial capital letter) of, relating to, or characteristic of Reform Jews or Reform Judaism:

    a Reform rabbi.

reform

/ ɪˈɔː /

verb

  1. tr to improve (an existing institution, law, practice, etc) by alteration or correction of abuses
  2. to give up or cause to give up a reprehensible habit or immoral way of life
  3. chem to change the molecular structure of (a hydrocarbon) to make it suitable for use as petrol by heat, pressure, and the action of catalysts
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. an improvement or change for the better, esp as a result of correction of legal or political abuses or malpractices
  2. a principle, campaign, or measure aimed at achieving such change
  3. improvement of morals or behaviour, esp by giving up some vice
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈڴǰ, adjective
  • ˈڴǰپ, adjective
  • ˈڴǰ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ·ڴǰa· adjective
  • ·ڴǰa·i·ٲ ·ڴǰa··ness noun
  • ·ڴǰa·پ adjective
  • ·ڴǰa·پ·ly adverb
  • ·ڴǰa·پ·ness noun
  • ·ڴǰiԲ· adverb
  • t··ڴǰ adjective
  • r·ڴǰ verb
  • r·ڴǰ adjective
  • r·ڴǰ adjective
  • -·ڴǰ noun
  • p··ڴǰ noun verb (used with object)
  • un·ڴǰa· adjective
  • un·ڴǰa·پ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of reform1

First recorded in 1300–50; (for the verb) Middle English reformen, from Middle French reformer, Old French, from Latin ō; equivalent to re- + form; noun derivative of the verb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of reform1

C14: via Old French from Latin ڴǰ to form again
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

They say their plan to reform business rates will mean lower taxes for High Street businesses such as hair salons when it comes into effect in 2026-27.

From

Secretary of State Hilary Benn said he has "listened carefully" to concerns over current structures for investigating Troubles killings and he remained committed to "fundamental reform".

From

But he did confirm that the government was looking to shake-up the energy market, which he said could involve "zonal pricing and reformed national pricing".

From

However, that could soon change under government reforms to planning policy, which are the subject of a public consultation.

From

However, the BDA says that falls short of what is required and is calling for further reform.

From

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