Word
reformation
Phoneticsref·or·ma·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɹɛfɝˈmeɪʃən/
UK/ɹɪfɔːmˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01improvement of a system
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of improving something by changing how it works, especially a government or a large organization.
n. the improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, or unsatisfactory in social, political, or institutional affairs.
“The new government promised a complete reformation of the prison system.”
“Public outcry regarding the lack of transparency led to a radical reformation of the city's zoning and planning departments.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process of change.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02the 16th-century religious movement
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Religion
n. the 16th-century religious movement in Europe that led to the start of Protestant churches.
n. the 16th-century religious movement aimed at reforming the Roman Catholic Church, resulting in the establishment of Protestantism.
“Students are studying the Reformation and its impact on European history.”
“The Reformation fundamentally altered the political landscape of Europe, leading to decades of conflict and the eventual rise of sovereign nation-states.”
Usage
Usually capitalized as 'the Reformation' when referring to this specific historical event.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03legal correction of a document
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Technical
n. a legal change made to a written contract so that it matches what the people involved actually agreed to.
n. an equitable remedy by which a court orders the change or correction of a written instrument to reflect the parties' actual intent.
“The lawyer asked for a reformation of the contract because of a typing error.”
“The plaintiff sought a judicial reformation of the deed, arguing that the written description of the property boundaries was a mutual mistake.”
Usage
Typically used in the context of contract law or property deeds.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“It also subverts the assumption that medieval people were politically passive, with resistance to abuses of authority largely absent before the Renaissance and the Protestant Reformation.” “It has long been known that the convent was dissolved and demolished after the Reformation in the 16th century, and that half a million bricks were sold to Selsø Castle.” Word family
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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