reformation

UK: ˌrefəˈmeɪʃn | US: ˌrefərˈmeɪʃn

Definition
  1. n. the act or process of reforming an institution, practice, or system

  2. n. a religious and political movement in 16th-century Europe that led to the establishment of Protestant churches (often capitalized as the Reformation)

Structure
re <again>form <shape>ation <noun suffix>
Etymology

reformation = re<again> + form<shape> + ation<noun suffix>

  • re (from Latin re-, meaning "again" or "back")
  • form (from Latin formare, meaning "to shape" or "mold")
  • ation (a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process)

Etymology Origin:
The word reformation traces back to Latin reformatio, combining re- (indicating repetition) and formare (to shape). It originally referred to the idea of "reshaping" or "renewing" something—whether institutions, beliefs, or systems. The term gained historical prominence during the Reformation, a movement that sought to reshape Christian doctrine and practice in Europe. The morphemes reflect a clear logic: re- (again) + form (shape) = "to shape anew."

Examples
  1. The reformation of the education system aimed to improve accessibility for all students.

  2. Martin Luther played a key role in the Protestant Reformation.

  3. The company announced a major reformation of its corporate policies.

  4. Critics argue that the legal reformation did not go far enough.

  5. The reformation of his habits took years of disciplined effort.