reconfigure

UK: ˌriːkənˈfɪɡə | US: ˌriːkənˈfɪɡjər

Definition

  1. vt. to arrange or organize something in a new or different way

  2. vt. (computing) to modify the settings or structure of a system or device

Structure
re <again>con <together>figure <shape/form>
Etymology

The word "reconfigure" combines three Latin-derived morphemes:

  1. "re-" (meaning "again") indicates repetition or renewal.
  2. "con-" (meaning "together") suggests combination or unity.
  3. "figure" (from Latin "figura," meaning "shape" or "form") refers to structure or arrangement.
    Originally used in technical contexts (e.g., computing, engineering), it literally means "to shape together again," reflecting a logical reorganization of components. Over time, it expanded to general usage for any systematic rearrangement.
Examples

  1. The IT team will reconfigure the network to improve security.

  2. After the merger, the company reconfigured its departments.

  3. You can reconfigure the software settings to suit your needs.

  4. The architect reconfigured the office layout for better space utilization.

  5. Scientists reconfigured the experiment to test a new hypothesis.