redefinition
再定義
解説 Definition
言葉や概念の意味を新たに定義し直すこと。
Redefinition means the act of changing the meaning, limits, or understanding of something. It is used when an idea, role, or concept is described in a new way. It often appears in academic, social, and professional discussions.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
まずは基礎の define「定義する」と definition「定義」を確実に結びつけると覚えやすいです。そこに re-「もう一度」が付いた形なので、redefine が「定義し直す」、その名詞が redefinition。単なる修正 revision よりも、言葉や役割の意味づけ自体を組み替える感じがあります。business model redefinition, role redefinition のように、議論や改革の文脈で「枠組みを言い換える・作り直す」と捉えると定着します。
Start from `define` and `definition`. Add `re-`, meaning “again,” and you get the idea of defining something again in a new way. `Redefinition` often appears when roles, ideas, or systems are being reshaped, not just slightly corrected.
例文
The redefinition of marriage laws sparked intense debate across the country.
婚姻法の再定義は国中で激しい議論を引き起こした。
Technology has forced a redefinition of what it means to have privacy.
テクノロジーはプライバシーの意味の再定義を余儀なくさせた。
The committee proposed a redefinition of the poverty line to reflect current living costs.
委員会は現在の生活費を反映するため、貧困線の再定義を提案した。
redefinition の類義語・関連語
派生語
redefinition の語源・成り立ち Etymology
redefinitionはラテン語 re-「再び」+ de-「はっきり」+ finire「境界を定める」に由来し、もとは意味の線を引き直す感覚。finiteやconfineも同じfin-を持ち、definition自体が「境界を示すこと」だと分かると「再定義」が腑に落ちる。
Redefinition is built from re- "again" and definition. Definition comes from Latin definire, from de- and finire, meaning "to set bounds" or "mark limits." So the word originally suggests drawing the boundaries again, which led to the sense of shaping meaning anew. Related words include finite and confine.
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