redefine
UK[ˌriːdɪˈfaɪn]US[ˌriːdɪˈfaɪn]
v
To define something again or differently.
v
To give a new or revised meaning to something.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
define
re
again
define
state meaning
Etymology
The verb 'redefine' is a modern English formation built upon the established verb 'define'. The prefix 're-', of Latin origin and meaning "again", is attached to the base 'define'. 'Define' itself traces back to Latin 'definire', meaning "to set bounds to, to determine", from 'de-' (completely) and 'finis' (boundary, end). Thus, the literal morphemic logic is "to set the boundaries or meaning completely again". Over time, this evolved from the concrete idea of re-marking physical limits to the abstract act of revising the conceptual description, essence, or scope of an idea, role, or term.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + define (state meaning)
- re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
- define: From Latin 'definire' (to limit, determine, explain), composed of 'de-' (completely) + 'finire' (to bound, limit). In this word, it functions as the base verb meaning "to state the exact meaning of something".
Examples
The company aims to redefine luxury for the modern era.
We need to redefine the project's goals to ensure its success.
The discovery forced scientists to redefine their understanding of the phenomenon.