reform
ree-FAWM
Reform (noun) means a change made to improve something, especially a system, law, or institution. Example: “The government promised major healthcare reform.”
noun
1
A change made to improve something, especially a system, law, or institution.
"The government promised major healthcare reform."
"Prison reform aims to reduce reoffending."
"Reform of the old bus timetable made journeys much shorter."
verb
1
To make changes to something in order to improve it.
"Lawmakers voted to reform the tax code."
"The council plans to reform how it collects rubbish."
"They want to reform the rules so the process is fairer."
2
To improve one's own behavior or character.
"He vowed to reform after his wake-up call."
"After years of trouble, the young man managed to reform and find steady work."
"Can a habitual liar really reform, or will he always cheat?"
How to use reform
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA positive change to a system or law, or the act of making such a change (or, personally, cleaning up your act).
Common pairings
tax reform
reform a law
reform school
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Word forms
- Plural
- reforms
- Third person singular
- reforms
- Past tense
- reformed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The government promised major healthcare _____.
Etymology
From Old French reformer, from Latin reformare ("to shape again"), from re- plus formare ("to form").
Synonyms
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improvement
change
overhaul
amendment
revision
restructuring
shake-up
reclaim
rectify
regenerate
see the light
straighten out
Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “reform” mean?
The word “reform” means a change made to improve something, especially a system, law, or institution. In plain terms, a positive change to a system or law, or the act of making such a change (or, personally, cleaning up your act).
How do you pronounce “reform”?
“Reform” is pronounced ree-FAWM (/ˌɹiːˈfɔɹm/ in IPA).
How do you use “reform” in a sentence?
Here is “reform” used in a sentence: “The government promised major healthcare reform.”
What part of speech is “reform”?
Depending on how it is used, “reform” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “reform” come from?
The word “reform” comes from Latin. From Old French reformer, from Latin reformare ("to shape again"), from re- plus formare ("to form").
Is “reform” a common word?
“Reform” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “reform” have?
“Reform” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a change made to improve something, especially a system, law, or institution.
What is the difference between reform and revolution?
Reform improves a system by changing it gradually from within, keeping the overall structure intact — think of reforming a tax code or a school system. Revolution overturns the system entirely, often suddenly and sometimes by force. Reform mends and adjusts; revolution replaces. That contrast in scale and speed is the key difference.
What are examples of reform?
History is full of them: electoral reform that changes how votes are counted, healthcare reform that reshapes access to care, and prison or education reform aimed at fairer systems. On a smaller scale, a company might reform its hiring policies. Each is a deliberate change meant to improve how something works.
What are the types of reform?
Reform is usually named after what it changes. Political and electoral reform alters how power is won and used. Legal reform updates laws, social reform tackles issues like welfare or rights, and economic reform reshapes markets and taxes. Institutional reform overhauls bodies such as schools, courts or the police. All aim at improvement.
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