reformation
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the act of improving something by changing how it works, especially a government or a large organization.
the improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, or unsatisfactory in social, political, or institutional affairs.
Simple“The new government promised a complete reformation of the prison system.”
In context“Public outcry regarding the lack of transparency led to a radical reformation of the city's zoning and planning departments.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process of change.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the 16th-century religious movement in Europe that led to the start of Protestant churches.
the 16th-century religious movement aimed at reforming the Roman Catholic Church, resulting in the establishment of Protestantism.
Simple“Students are studying the Reformation and its impact on European history.”
In context“The Reformation fundamentally altered the political landscape of Europe, leading to decades of conflict and the eventual rise of sovereign nation-states.”
UsageUsually capitalized as 'the Reformation' when referring to this specific historical event.
Synonymsprotestant reformationAntonymscounter reformation - 03 C1 Advanced
a legal change made to a written contract so that it matches what the people involved actually agreed to.
an equitable remedy by which a court orders the change or correction of a written instrument to reflect the parties' actual intent.
Simple“The lawyer asked for a reformation of the contract because of a typing error.”
In context“The plaintiff sought a judicial reformation of the deed, arguing that the written description of the property boundaries was a mutual mistake.”
UsageTypically used in the context of contract law or property deeds.
Synonymsrectificationcorrection
“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.”