reconfigure
UK[ˌriːkənˈfɪɡə(r)]US[ˌriːkənˈfɪɡjər]
v
To arrange the parts or elements of something, especially a computer system, in a new or different way.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
con
figure
re
again
con
together
figure
form
Etymology
The word 'reconfigure' is a modern English formation built from classical Latin elements. The prefix 're-' introduces the core concept of repetition or return to a previous state. Combined with the intensive prefix 'con-', meaning "together," it modifies the verb 'figure,' which derives from Latin figurare (to shape or form). The literal, compounded meaning is "to shape or form together again." This logical construction perfectly captures the modern technical sense of rearranging the components of a system, such as software or hardware, into a new functional shape or layout.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + con (together) + figure (form)
re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back."
con: Latin origin (from cum), a prefix meaning "together" or "with."
figure: Latin origin (from figura, meaning "shape" or "form"), serving as the base verb meaning to shape or form.
Examples
We need to reconfigure the network settings to improve security.
The software allows users to easily reconfigure the dashboard layout.
After the merger, the company had to reconfigure its entire management structure.