review
rih-VYOO
Review (noun) means a written or spoken evaluation of a book, film, product, or performance. Example: “The restaurant got a glowing review in the local paper.”
noun
1
A written or spoken evaluation of a book, film, product, or performance.
"The restaurant got a glowing review in the local paper."
"She reads reviews before buying anything online."
"I wrote a short review of the novel for the school magazine."
2
A careful re-examination of something, such as a case, policy, or performance.
"The company launched a review of its safety procedures after the accident."
"The teacher ordered a review of the homework rules after parents complained."
"A yearly review of your insurance can help you spot cheaper deals."
verb
1
To examine something again carefully, or to write a critical assessment of it.
"Please review the contract before you sign it."
"A well-known critic reviewed the play for the Sunday edition."
"Students should review their notes the night before the exam."
How to use review
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither an assessment of something (like a film review), or the act of looking something over again carefully.
Common pairings
write a review
under review
review a document
annual review
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Word forms
- Plural
- reviews
- Third person singular
- reviews
- Past tense
- reviewed
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The restaurant got a glowing _____ in the local paper.
Etymology
From Old French reveue, "a looking back", from Latin revideo, "to see again" (re- + video, "to see"). A doublet of "revue".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for review
See all rhymes for review →Frequently asked questions
What does “review” mean?
The word “review” means a written or spoken evaluation of a book, film, product, or performance. In plain terms, either an assessment of something (like a film review), or the act of looking something over again carefully.
How do you pronounce “review”?
“Review” is pronounced rih-VYOO (/ɹɪˈvjuː/ in IPA).
How do you use “review” in a sentence?
Here is “review” used in a sentence: “The restaurant got a glowing review in the local paper.”
What part of speech is “review”?
Depending on how it is used, “review” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “review” come from?
The word “review” comes from Latin. From Old French reveue, "a looking back", from Latin revideo, "to see again" (re- + video, "to see"). A doublet of "revue".
Is “review” a common word?
“Review” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “review” have?
“Review” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a written or spoken evaluation of a book, film, product, or performance.
What is the difference between a review and a rating?
A rating is a quick score — such as four stars out of five — that sums up an opinion in a single number or symbol. A review is the fuller written or spoken evaluation behind it, explaining the strengths and weaknesses. A review often includes a rating, but adds the reasoning a rating alone leaves out.
What is the difference between a review and a critique?
The two overlap, but a critique is usually more detailed and analytical, weighing a work's merits against professional or artistic standards. A review is often shorter and aimed at a general audience, helping them decide whether to read, watch, or buy something. Every critique is a kind of review, but not every review is a full critique.
What are the types of reviews?
Reviews come in many forms depending on what is being evaluated. Common types include book reviews, film and TV reviews, product reviews, restaurant reviews, and performance or theatre reviews. In academic and professional settings there are also peer reviews and performance reviews, each judging quality against relevant standards.
What is an example of a review?
A film review is a clear example: a critic watches a movie and then writes an evaluation of its story, acting, and direction, often ending with a star rating and a recommendation. Similarly, a customer might post a product review online describing how well an item worked and whether they would buy it again.
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