noun
Uncommon
reformation
reh-fuh-MAY-shuhn
Reformation (noun) means a significant change intended to improve a system, institution, or practice. Example: “The scandal led to a major reformation of the department's policies.”
noun
1
A significant change intended to improve a system, institution, or practice.
"The scandal led to a major reformation of the department's policies."
name
1
The 16th-century religious movement that split Western Christianity into Catholic and Protestant branches.
"Martin Luther is considered a key figure of the Reformation."
How to use reformation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA major improving change to something, or (capitalized) the historical Protestant Reformation.
Common pairings
the Protestant Reformation
call for reformation
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Word forms
- Plural
- reformations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The scandal led to a major _____ of the department's policies.
Etymology
From Latin reformatio, from reformare ("to reshape"). Historically capitalized when referring to the 16th-century religious movement.
Class of 1500
reformation joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for reformation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for reformation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “reformation” mean?
The word “reformation” means a significant change intended to improve a system, institution, or practice. In plain terms, a major improving change to something, or (capitalized) the historical Protestant Reformation.
How do you pronounce “reformation”?
“Reformation” is pronounced reh-fuh-MAY-shuhn (/ˌɹɛfɚˈmeɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “reformation” in a sentence?
Here is “reformation” used in a sentence: “The scandal led to a major reformation of the department's policies.”
What part of speech is “reformation”?
Depending on how it is used, “reformation” can be a noun and a name.
Where does the word “reformation” come from?
The word “reformation” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Latin. From Latin reformatio, from reformare ("to reshape"). Historically capitalized when referring to the 16th-century religious movement.
Is “reformation” a common word?
“Reformation” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “reformation” have?
“Reformation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a significant change intended to improve a system, institution, or practice.
