# revise

/ɹiˈvaɪz/ (US) · /ɹɪvˈaɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/revise
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to amend or change

verb · CEFR B1 · Academic

to change or improve a piece of writing, a plan, or an idea.

For teachers: to review and alter something, such as a manuscript or policy, in order to improve it or bring it up to date.

- The author had to revise the final chapter after her editor suggested a better ending.
- The committee decided to revise the safety guidelines following the publication of the new environmental impact report.

Usage: Transitive; requires a direct object such as a document, plan, or estimate.

### 2. to study for an exam

verb · CEFR B1 · British English

to read and study work you have already done to prepare for a test.

For teachers: to review previously learned material in preparation for an examination.

- I need to stay home tonight and revise for my history exam tomorrow.
- Students are encouraged to revise their lecture notes weekly rather than cramming everything into the final few days before finals.

Usage: Often used intransitively with 'for', or transitively with 'notes' or 'subjects' as the object.

Teaching tip: This sense is standard in British, Australian, and New Zealand English; American English speakers almost exclusively use 'review' or 'study' for this purpose.

### 3. a corrected proof

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a new version of a printed page that shows the corrections made to the first version.

For teachers: a second or subsequent proof sheet taken after corrections have been made to the previous version.

- The editor sent the first revise back to the printer to check the new margins.
- After the author spotted several typos in the initial galleys, the publisher provided a clean revise for final approval.

Usage: Countable noun used primarily within the printing and publishing industries.

## Examples

- I need to revise my notes before the big test tomorrow.
- The committee decided to revise the safety guidelines after the new report highlighted several overlooked risks.
- Scholars often revise their hypotheses as fresh archaeological evidence comes to light, ensuring that their historical narratives remain consistent with the most recent discoveries.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.