# rewrite

/ˈɹiˌɹaɪt/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. to revise or change

verb · CEFR B1

to write something again in order to improve it or change the information.

For teachers: to revise a piece of writing or code by altering its structure, style, or content while maintaining the core purpose.

- The teacher asked me to rewrite the first paragraph of my essay.
- The legal team had to rewrite the contract several times to ensure that all the new regulations were properly addressed.

Usage: Transitive; requires a direct object such as a document, paragraph, or code block.

### 2. to replace terms in a formula

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to change parts of a mathematical rule or formula using specific steps.

For teachers: to replace subterms of a formula with other terms according to established transformation rules.

- You can rewrite this equation to make it easier to solve.
- In symbolic logic, one may rewrite the expression using De Morgan's laws to simplify the proof process.

### 3. a new version

noun · CEFR B2

a piece of writing that has been changed or written again.

For teachers: a revised version of a text, script, or computer program.

- The director was happy with the latest rewrite of the movie script.
- After the software crashed during the demo, the engineering team performed a complete rewrite of the core engine.

## Examples

- The editor asked for a complete rewrite of the first chapter.
- After the client changed their requirements, the development team had to perform a total rewrite of the database logic.
- The screenplay underwent a massive rewrite during production to accommodate the lead actor's request for a more sympathetic character arc.

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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.