reconceptualize

verb

re·​con·​cep·​tu·​al·​ize (ˌ)rē-kən-ˈsep-chə-wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce reconceptualize (audio)
-chü-ə-,
-chə-ˌlīz,
-shwə-ˌlīz
reconceptualized; reconceptualizing; reconceptualizes

transitive verb

: to conceptualize in a new or different way
Once you start reconceptualizing your company as a collection of business processes, it becomes dauntingly clear that those processes extend beyond the portals of any one building, the boundaries of any one corporation, and the borders of any one country.Ronald Henkoff
The argument for tortoise conservation has been strengthened by reconceptualizing giant tortoises as agents whose actions shape the ecosystems around them.James P. Gibbs
reconceptualization
(ˌ)rē-kən-ˌsep-chə-wə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce reconceptualize (audio)
-chü-ə-
-chə-lə-ˈzā-
-shwə-lə-ˈzā-
noun
Many jobs are gone forever. This will eventually force us to confront matters such as a guaranteed universal income, or a complete reconceptualization of what we consider "work" for which one is entitled to a wage. Rex J. Zedalis

Examples of reconceptualize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What gives me pause is the question of why Brooker would radically reconceptualize a series whose premise has exceeded its expiration date, instead of just moving on to a fresh idea. Time, 16 June 2023 In a sense, Black people, whose past has been deliberately erased, are embracing Afrofuturism as a means to reconceptualize their history and a tool for speculating on a more fruitful future. Shantay Robinson, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 May 2023 The Covid-19 pandemic cratered our delicate balance between needs and wants, forcing communities across the world to rethink or better yet, reconceptualize the meaning of what traits thriving communities possess. Rod Berger, Forbes, 2 May 2022 The voices working now to reconceptualize that relationship include not only figures like Tlaib, who comfortably place themselves on the Democratic Party’s left wing, but organizations like J Street, whose advocates are angling to replace Israel hawks in the political mainstream. Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, 24 May 2021 Every year the Crystal Cabin Awards showcase innovative ideas that reconceptualize the airplane cabin experience. Francesca Street, CNN, 14 Mar. 2023 Then, as the Victorian era ushered in the rise of official dog breeds, people began to reconceptualize the roles that canines could play in their homes. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2022 In the same vein, companies also need to reconceptualize their idea of headquarters. Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 20 May 2022 Together, Black Rave Culture produces tracks and DJ sets that reconceptualize and reclaim this legacy, exploring different rhythms, tempos and traditions from across dance music and its diaspora. Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reconceptualize was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near reconceptualize

Cite this Entry

“Reconceptualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reconceptualize. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on reconceptualize

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!