reform Hear it!

reform Definition

re·form (ri fôrm′)

transitive verb

  1. to make better by removing faults and defects; correct to reform a calendar
    1. to make better by putting a stop to abuses or malpractices or by introducing better procedures, etc.
    2. to put a stop to (abuses, etc.)
  3. to cause or persuade (a person) to give up misconduct and behave better
  4. Chem. to heat (petroleum products) under pressure, with or without catalysts, to produce cracking and a greater yield of gasoline or an improved octane number

Etymology: ME reformen < OFr reformer < L reformare: see re- & form

intransitive verb

to become better in behavior

noun

  1. a correction of faults or evils, as in government or society; social or political improvement
  2. an improvement in character and conduct; reformation
  3. a movement aimed at removing political or social abuses

adjective

☆ designating or of a movement in Judaism that attempts to make rational thought compatible with historical Judaism, stressing its ethical aspects and not requiring strict observance of traditional Orthodox ritual

reform Related Forms
re·form′·able adjective re·form′a·tive adjective
reform Synonyms

reform

n.

reformation, betterment, amelioration, new law; see change 2, improvement 1, 2.

reform Synonyms

reform

v.

  1. To change into a new or better form

    reorganize, reconstruct, rearrange, transform, ameliorate, redeem, rectify, better, rehabilitate, improve, correct, cure, remedy, convert, mend, emend, amend, restore, remodel, revise, repair, rebuild, reclaim, revolutionize, regenerate, refashion, renovate, renew, rework, reconstitute, make over, remake; see also change 1.

    Antonyms degrade, corrupt*, botch. *

  2. To correct evils

    amend, clean out, give a new basis, abolish, repeal, uplift, ameliorate, rectify, regenerate, redeem, rehabilitate, give new life to, remedy, stamp out, make better, standardize, bring up to code, set straight; see also sense 1; improve 1.

  3. To change one's conduct for the better

    resolve, mend, mend one's ways, regenerate, make amends, have a new conscience, make a new start, make resolutions, turn over a new leaf, see the error of one's ways, change one's ways, straighten out, go straight*, clean up one's act*, shape up*, get religion*, put on the new man*, swear off*; see also sense 2.

reform Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • cap: We also believe there is a need for further reform of the CAP.
  • CFP: Successful reform of the CFP is essential to achieve marine environmental sustainability.

Converse of object

  • propose: In November 2001, the proposed reforms for a new House of Lords were released.
  • implement: The indebted countries also have to agree to implement economic reforms.
  • introduce: I am not going to introduce any startling reforms, nor in any way attempt to make trouble... .

Adjective modifier

  • constitutional: On history of Kosovo after the constitutional reform of 1989 and on his party, the LDK.
  • electoral: The third problem where electoral reform would help us is the status of parliament.
  • radical: The radical reforms outlined in the 1947 Education Act came into being on 1 April 1948.
  • structural: We have driven forward structural reforms to improve our capacity to deliver.
  • parliamentary: Taylor's views on parliamentary reform also became more conservative.
  • economic: The economic reforms are also outlined in the letter.

Modifies a noun

  • agenda: The role of VCOs in the public service reform agenda is about more than delivery.
  • bill: He strongly opposed the proposal by Benjamin Disraeli to introduce his own parliamentary reform bill.
  • usa: Of legal immigrants reform families usa we explored the less likely to.

Noun used with modifier

  • welfare: Of welfare reform are affected by not strong evidence a change the.
  • cap: CAP reform is therefore a matter of life or death for millions across the world.
  • pension: We look forward to the further progress of the pension reforms.
  • land: In the context of land reform in South Africa, their success is bucking a trend.
  • workforce: However, workforce reform is about more than additional funding.
  • NHS: We have to adapt the existing structures to ensure we get the best out of the NHS reforms.
reform Quotes

All reform except a moral one will prove unavailing.

—Carlyle,Thomas

Beginning reform is beginning revolution.

—Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of

A party of order or stability, and a party of progress or reform, are both necessaryelements of a healthystate of political life.

—Mill,John Stuart

To reform a world, to reform a nation no wise man will undertake; and all but foolish men know, that the only solid, though a far slower reformation, is what each begins and perfects on himself.

—Carlyle,Thomas

[He] reckoned a body could reform the old man with a shotgun, maybe, but he didn't know no other way.

—Twain, Mark pseudonym of  Samuel Langhorne Clemens

If everything is caused by innumerable'factors,'then we had best be very careful in any practical actions we undertake. We must deal with many details, and so it is advisable to proceed to reform this little piece and see what happens, before we reform that little piece too. 574

—Mills, C(harles) Wright

   If the spirit of the Reform Bill implies merelya careful review of institutions, civil and ecclesiastical, undertaken in a friendly temper, combining with the firm maintenance of established rights the correction of private abuses and the redress of real grievances,I can for myself and my colleagues undertake to act in such a spirit and with such intentions.

—Peel, Sir Robert

To innovate is not to reform.

—Burke, Edmund