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

A significant change intended to improve a system, institution, or practice.

"The scandal led to a major reformation of the department's policies."

name

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 notes

In plain EnglishA major improving change to something, or (capitalized) the historical Protestant Reformation.

Common pairings

the Protestant Reformation call for reformation

Word forms

reformations plural

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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.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1500

Class of 1500 reformation joined the language around 1500.

acknowledge amok asthma atlas axis

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Rhymes for reformation

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension oxidation

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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.