reinvent

reinvent — verb

1. to make a major change to an existing product, system, or idea so that it feels

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make a major change to an existing product, system, or idea so that it feels fresh and modern, rather than just making small improvements

例句

Quinn reinvented the coffee maker by adding a detachable part that brews tea.

collocation: reinvent + product + by + -ing

The restaurant reinvented its menu after customers complained about the limited choices.

同義詞
  • redesign

    more specific to visual or functional design; less dramatic than reinvent

  • overhaul

    focuses on fixing problems; reinvent focuses on creating something new

  • reimagine

    emphasises creative or artistic rethinking rather than practical rebuilding

  • transform

    broader; can apply to any kind of change, not just from existing material

反義詞
  • preserve

    keep something in its original state

  • maintain

    keep something working without changing it

文法句型

reinvent + noun phrase (product/system/genre)

reinvent + noun + by + -ing

用法筆記

Unlike 'improve' or 'update', 'reinvent' suggests a more thorough change that makes the result feel like a new creation rather than just a fixed version of the old one.

常見錯誤

❌I reinvented my essay by fixing the spelling.
✅I reinvented the course curriculum by changing the entire teaching method.
💡'Reinvent' implies a large, structural change, not small corrections.

2. to change your career, appearance, or lifestyle so that you present yourself to

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to change your career, appearance, or lifestyle so that you present yourself to others as a very different kind of person

例句

After twenty years as a lawyer, Bilal reinvented himself as a music teacher.

reinvent oneself as [new role]

Lara reinvented her image by changing her hairstyle and dressing in brighter clothes.

同義詞
  • rebrand

    borrowed from marketing; implies a deliberate change of public image

  • transform

    broader — can be internal or external; reinvent is more about image and role

  • remake

    more informal; similar to reinvent but often used for appearance

  • start over

    phrasal verb; less dramatic, implies leaving the past behind

反義詞
  • remain

    stay the same

  • stay

    not change your situation or identity

文法句型

reinvent + oneself

reinvent + oneself + as + noun phrase

reinvent + image/career/persona

用法筆記

Almost always used with a reflexive pronoun (oneself, himself, herself) or a possessive noun (her image, his career). The 'as' phrase is optional but common when specifying the new role.

常見錯誤

❌He reinvented his job.
✅He reinvented himself in a new job.
💡The person changes, not the job itself.