makeover
makeover — noun
1. a process of changing how a person looks or how a room, building, or other place
a process of changing how a person looks or how a room, building, or other place appears, usually by giving them new clothes, a new hairstyle, different furniture, or new decorations, with the goal of making them more attractive
Feng got a full makeover before her job interview, including a new haircut and outfit.
collocation: full makeover
The coffee shop underwent a makeover with brighter walls and modern furniture.
passive construction: underwent a makeover
After the makeover, the living room felt much warmer and more welcoming.
Sade's makeover gave her the confidence to apply for the manager position.
A home makeover show transformed the family's dark kitchen into a bright cooking space.
- transformation
broader — can refer to any type of change, not just appearance
- overhaul
often implies fixing problems or improving function, not only looks
- neglect
state of being left without care or improvement
2. a thorough process of rebuilding, restructuring, or redesigning something such a
a thorough process of rebuilding, restructuring, or redesigning something such as a system, organization, or piece of equipment to make it work better or look completely different, not limited to appearance
The school's makeover included a new library, science labs, and a gymnasium.
collocation: school makeover
Meera's company needed a makeover of its outdated computer network.
The park received a ten-million-dollar makeover with new paths and playgrounds.
After the website's makeover, customer orders increased by forty percent.
William proposed a makeover of the city's public transport system.
- renovation
more common for buildings; implies restoring to good condition
- overhaul
emphasizes fixing faults and improving performance
- revamp
more informal; suggests updating rather than rebuilding
用法筆記
Used for systems, organizations, or infrastructure — areas where function matters as much as appearance. This sense is broader than sense 1 and often implies a structural or operational overhaul rather than a purely cosmetic change.
makeover — verb
1. to legally give the ownership of a property such as land, a house, or other asse
to legally give the ownership of a property such as land, a house, or other assets from one person or group to another, usually through a signed legal document
Reuben made over his house to his daughter before moving into a nursing home.
pattern: make over [property] to [person]
The deed allowed her to make over the land to the local community trust.
Under the will, the farm was made over to the eldest grandchild.
The warehouse was made over to a charitable trust by signing a legal document.
- keep
to continue to own or hold
文法句型
make over + property + to + person
用法筆記
Almost always used with the preposition 'to' indicating the recipient. In modern English, this sense is largely restricted to legal contexts; everyday speakers more commonly use 'transfer' or 'sign over'.
常見錯誤
2. to completely change the look, structure, or design of something such as a build
to completely change the look, structure, or design of something such as a building, room, or piece of clothing by rebuilding, redecorating, or reshaping it
The architect made over the old warehouse into modern apartments.
pattern: make over [thing] into [new thing]
Layla decided to make over her bedroom with new furniture and bright paint.
Daichi made over the spare bedroom with recycled wood and energy-efficient windows.
Inês made over the vintage dress by shortening it and adding new buttons.
文法句型
make over + object
用法筆記
This verb sense corresponds closely to noun sense 1 (IMPROVE APPEARANCE) but is much less common. In everyday speech, people overwhelmingly use the noun 'makeover' rather than the verb form 'make over'. For the verb, 'renovate', 'redecorate', or 'remodel' are more frequent alternatives.
常見錯誤
3. to change a system, set of rules, organization, or policy completely so that it
to change a system, set of rules, organization, or policy completely so that it improves or functions more effectively
The principal made over the school's discipline policy to focus on student well-being.
Christopher made over the complaint system so that every issue received a reply within a day.
pattern: make over [system] so that [clause]
The committee made over the outdated rules after years of complaints from staff.
The attendance policy was made over after employees repeatedly requested more flexible hours.
- reform
the standard verb for changing systems, rules, or policies
- overhaul
emphasizes thorough repair and improvement
- restructure
focuses on changing the organization or arrangement
- preserve
to keep unchanged
文法句型
make over + object
用法筆記
Highly uncommon in modern English; 'reform', 'overhaul', or 'restructure' are far more frequent for this meaning. This sense is included because some dictionaries list it, but learners should prefer the alternatives above.