English Reference

Word

revision

Phoneticsre·vi·sion, stress on the second syllable

US/ɹiˈvɪʒən/

UK/ɹɪvˈɪʒən/

Definitions

01changing or improving

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the act of changing something to improve it or make it more accurate.

n. the process of amending, correcting, or improving a document, policy, or idea.

“The teacher asked for a revision of the essay to fix the grammar mistakes.”

“The legal team suggested a thorough revision of the contract terms to ensure all parties were protected under the new regulations.”

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of'.

02a new version

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a new or updated version of something, like a book or a plan.

n. a specific version of a text or object that has been modified from the original.

“The latest revision of the software fixed the bugs from last month.”

“The third revision of the textbook includes two additional chapters on digital marketing strategies.”

Usage

Countable in this sense.

Antonyms

03studying for exams

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun British English

n. the work you do to prepare for an exam by looking at your notes again.

n. the process of reviewing previously learned material in preparation for an examination.

“I have a lot of revision to do before my maths exam on Tuesday.”

“Students are encouraged to begin their revision several weeks before the final assessments to avoid last-minute cramming.”

Usage

Usually uncountable when referring to the general activity of studying.

Pitfall

I need to do some reviews for my history test.

I need to do some revision for my history test.

In British English, 'revision' is the standard term for studying old material before a test; 'review' is more common in American English.

Teaching tip

This is the most common sense in the UK and Australia; American students almost exclusively use 'review' for this activity.

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “revision” in context.

Verb

01. require revision

“The initial draft of the contract will require revision before it can be signed.”

verb + noun

Real-World Examples

“Instead of relying mainly on AI-detection software, instructors can also ask students to document revisions, defend their choices and reflect on where AI did and did not improve their work.”
Phys.org 19 Aug 2026
“In 1976, new rule revisions made it possible for “social orphans,” meaning children of single or divorced parents, to be admitted.”
The Conversation 16 Jul 2026

Etymology

Borrowed from French révision, from Latin revīsiō.

From re- + vision.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

revision(B2)

This entry

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference