redéfinir

Forms

redéfinir^[1]

Etymology

It is formed from French re- + définir.^[2][3][4][5] The base verb is from Latin dēfīniō (“to bound, limit”).^[1]

Earliest recorded meaning

The TLFi's first record is from 1798, in J. Joubert's Carnets.^[2][3]

Semantic evolution

Rey notes that redéfinir and its noun redéfinition (about 1960) are used less as plain repetitions of définir (“define again”) than in the sense “reorganize, reshape”.^[6] The TLFi gives both uses: changing the content of a definition, and, by extension, changing the terms, aims or conditions of a mission or policy.^[2] The GLLF dates this second use from an article in Le Figaro of 16 March 1968,^[7] and the BHVF notes that the Petit Robert had it from about 1960.^[8] In computing it also translates English “override”, redefining an inherited method.^[1]

Timeline

• 1798 – First recorded, in J. Joubert's Carnets.^[2][3][4]
• c. 1960 – The noun redéfinition appears.^[6]
• 1968 – Le Figaro uses the verb of redefining a policy.^[7][8]

Meanings

Verb

1. To give a new definition of a word or idea, to redefine it: redéfinir un concept.^[2][4][1]
2. To change the terms, aims or conditions of something, to determine it anew: le ministère a redéfini sa stratégie.^[2][7][4]
3. (computing) To override an inherited method.^[1]

Word family

• redéfinition

Related words

• définir
• définition
• Latin dēfīniō

References

1. ^ a b c d e f Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f Trésor de la langue française informatisé (2004), ATILF – CNRS & Université de Lorraine, atilf.fr/tlfi; electronic version of Imbs, Paul; Quemada, Bernard, eds. (1971–1994), Trésor de la langue française, Paris: CNRS / Gallimard
3. ^ a b c Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert
4. ^ a b c d Rey-Debove, Josette; Rey, Alain, eds. (2007), Le Petit Robert de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
5. ^ Académie française (1992–2024), Dictionnaire de l'Académie française, 9th ed., Paris: Académie française / Fayard / Imprimerie nationale
6. ^ a b Rey, Alain, ed. (1992), Dictionnaire historique de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
7. ^ a b c Guilbert, Louis; Lagane, René; Niobey, Georges, eds. (1971–1978; 1989), Grand Larousse de la langue française, Paris: Larousse
8. ^ a b Quemada, Bernard, ed. (1959–2006), Datations et documents lexicographiques (Base historique du vocabulaire français, BHVF), Paris: Klincksieck / CNRS / Champion; ATILF