redefinition
UK[ˌriːdɛfɪˈnɪʃən]US[ˌriːdɛfɪˈnɪʃən]
n
The act or process of defining something again or differently.
n
A new or revised definition.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
definition
re
again
definition
act of defining
Etymology
The word 'redefinition' is a modern English compound formed by attaching the Latin prefix 're-' to the existing noun 'definition.' The core concept of 'definition' originates from the Latin verb 'finire,' meaning "to bound or limit," which is derived from 'finis,' meaning "end or boundary." The prefix 're-' introduces the concept of repetition or alteration, literally signaling an action done "again." Therefore, the etymological logic of 'redefinition' is transparent: it is the act of setting boundaries or limits (defining) once more or in a new way, reflecting a process of conceptual revision.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + definition (act of defining)
re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back."
definition: From Latin 'definitio' (a setting of bounds, determination), itself from 'de-' (completely) + 'finire' (to limit, end). In this word, it functions as the base noun meaning "the act of defining."
Examples
The company's rebranding involved a complete redefinition of its core values.
The scientific discovery forced a redefinition of the species classification.
Her essay argues for a cultural redefinition of success.