rewrite
Write something again with changes
To write something again and change the words to make it better, clearer, or more correct.
to rewrite [something]
- The teacher asked him to rewrite his essay to make the argument clearer.
- We had to rewrite the contract after the client changed their requirements.
- She spent the whole weekend rewriting the script before the first rehearsal.
- I’m rewriting the code to make the app run faster and use less memory.
- The editor told me to rewrite the introduction so it grabs the reader’s attention.
- I will rewrite my email because it sounds too angry.
- The student rewrote his homework after the teacher marked many mistakes.
- Can you rewrite this text in simple English?
- She rewrote the story to make it more interesting for children.
- He rewrote the letter so it was shorter and clearer.
Completely change rules or understanding
To change how things are done or understood in a big and surprising way, so the old rules or ideas do not work anymore.
to rewrite [the rules / the script / the narrative]
- Streaming services have rewritten the rules of the music industry.
- This new discovery could rewrite the way scientists understand climate change.
- Her victory in the election rewrote the political script for the whole region.
- The success of the small startup has rewritten the narrative about who can compete with big tech companies.
- Social media has rewritten the rules of how brands communicate with customers.
- Online shopping has rewritten the rules of how people buy clothes.
- The new law may rewrite the way companies treat their workers.
- Her book rewrote the story about women in science.
- Smartphones have rewritten how we talk and share photos.
- The team’s fast style of play rewrote the rules of the sport.
A new, revised version of text
A new form of a text that someone has written again with changes.
a rewrite of [something]
- The director asked for a complete rewrite of the second act.
- After three rewrites, the article was finally approved for publication.
- This script still needs another rewrite before we start shooting.
- The editor suggested a light rewrite rather than cutting the section entirely.
- We did a quick rewrite of the press release to include the new figures.
- The movie script went through many rewrites.
- My boss said the report is fine but needs a small rewrite.
- After her rewrite, the story was much easier to read.
- He finished a rewrite of his novel last night.
- The teacher asked for a rewrite of my first paragraph.
- Base: rewrite
- Plural: rewrites
- Base: rewrite
- 3rd Person Singular: re-writes, rewrites
- Present Participle: re-writing, rewriting
- Past: re-wrote, rewrote
- Past Participle: re-written, rewritten
- Irregular past: re-wrote, rewrote Verb
- Irregular past participle: re-written, rewritten Verb
rewrite history
1Change how the past is described
To describe or present past events in a new way, often hiding bad parts or making someone look better than they were.
- The government was accused of trying to rewrite history by removing the protests from school textbooks.
- Some fans rewrite history and pretend their team has always been successful.
- The film doesn’t try to rewrite history; it shows the mistakes as well as the achievements.
rewrite the narrative
1Change the main story about something
To change the main story or idea that people believe about a person, group, or issue.
- Activists are trying to rewrite the narrative around mental health.
- The new documentary rewrites the narrative about life in the inner city.
- Her success has helped rewrite the narrative of what leaders in this industry can look like.
rewrite the rules
1Change the way things are done
To change how something works or is done in a big way, so that the usual rules or ways of doing it no longer apply.
- Online platforms have rewritten the rules of advertising.
- Her company rewrote the rules of fashion by selling only second-hand clothes.
- The new agreement could rewrite the rules of trade between the two countries.
rewrite the script
1Change the expected course of events
To change what is happening or expected to happen in a big way, so the usual story or pattern is different.
- The underdog team rewrote the script by winning the championship.
- Her sudden resignation rewrote the script of the leadership race.
- With this bold decision, the company hopes to rewrite the script on customer service.