Reformation vs. Reform: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 1, 2023

"Reformation" often denotes a major historical or widespread change, while "Reform" refers to a general improvement or amendment of what is wrong or corrupt.

Key Differences

When speaking of societal and historical contexts, the term "Reformation" typically alludes to large-scale, transformative changes. It conjures images of significant overhauls and periods marked by notable shifts, such as the Protestant Reformation. "Reform," on the other hand, has a broader applicability. It can refer to any change or improvement, whether sweeping like the "Reformation" or more localized.

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"Reformation" is often capitalised when discussing specific historical movements, signifying a clear demarcation in time or ideology. Conversely, "Reform" is a more generic term that can be applied to a multitude of scenarios, from policies to personal behaviors, without necessarily indicating a grand historical shift.

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Another distinctive feature of "Reformation" is its inherent implication of a complete or radical change. In contrast, "Reform" implies rectifying specific aspects of a larger system or entity. While "Reformation" might suggest a complete overhaul, "Reform" might indicate targeted improvements.

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From a linguistic perspective, "Reformation" is a noun that denotes an event or process, whereas "Reform" can function as both a noun, referring to the act of making changes, and a verb, describing the action of making those changes.

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In summary, while both "Reformation" and "Reform" revolve around the concept of change and improvement, "Reformation" often has grander, more transformative connotations, whereas "Reform" can be both broad and specific, encompassing a variety of changes from the monumental to the minute.

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Comparison Chart

Nature

Typically denotes large-scale, transformative changes.

Refers to general improvements or amendments.

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Context

Often related to major historical shifts.

Can be applied in a variety of scenarios.

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Implication

Suggests complete or radical change.

Indicates targeted improvements.

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Grammatical Usage

Mainly used as a noun.

Can function as both a noun and a verb.

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Example

Protestant Reformation.

Tax reform.

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Reformation and Reform Definitions

Reformation

Rectifying something on a broad scale.

The Reformation of the education system took several years.

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Reform

An amendment of what is wrong or corrupt.

Tax reform was at the forefront of the political campaign.

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Reformation

A complete overhaul of an existing system or belief.

The Reformation of the judicial system was widely applauded.

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Reform

To make changes to improve a system.

The committee will reform the existing guidelines.

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Reformation

A major change or transformation in structure or nature.

The Renaissance was followed by the Reformation in Europe.

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Reform

To improve by alteration, correction of error, or removal of defects; put into a better form or condition

Reform the tax code.

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Reformation

The act of reforming or the state of being reformed.

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Reform

To abolish abuse or malpractice in

Reform the government.

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Reformation

Reformation A 16th-century movement in Western Europe that aimed at reforming some doctrines and practices of the Roman Catholic Church and resulted in the establishment of the Protestant churches.

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Reform

To put an end to (an abuse or wrong).

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Reformation

An improvement (or an intended improvement) in the existing form or condition of institutions or practices, etc.; intended to make a striking change for the better in social, political or religious affairs or in the conduct of persons or operation of organizations.

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Reform

To induce or persuade (a person) to give up harmful or immoral practices; cause to adopt a better way of life.

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Reformation

(law) Change or correction, by a court in equity, to a written instrument to conform to the original intention of the parties.

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Reform

(Chemistry) To subject (hydrocarbons) to cracking.

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Reformation

The act of reforming, or the state of being reformed; change from worse to better; correction or amendment of life, manners, or of anything vicious or corrupt; as, the reformation of manners; reformation of the age; reformation of abuses.

Satire lashes vice into reformation.

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Reform

To change for the better.

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Reformation

Specifically (Eccl. Hist.), the important religious movement commenced by Luther early in the sixteenth century, which resulted in the formation of the various Protestant churches.

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Reform

Action to improve or correct what is wrong or defective in something

Health care reform.

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Reformation

Improvement (or an intended improvement) in the existing form or condition of institutions or practices etc.; intended to make a striking change for the better in social or political or religious affairs

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Reform

An instance of this; an improvement

Reforms in education.

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Reformation

A religious movement of the 16th century that began as an attempt to reform the Roman Catholic Church and resulted in the creation of Protestant churches

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Reform

Relating to or favoring reform

A reform candidate for mayor.

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Reformation

Rescuing from error and returning to a rightful course;

The reclamation of delinquent children

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Reform

Reform Of or relating to Reform Judaism.

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Reformation

A historical movement for religious change.

Martin Luther was a key figure in the Protestant Reformation.

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Reform

The change of something that is defective, broken, inefficient or otherwise negative, in order to correct or improve it

The elections need to undergo a serious reform.

A major reform is needed to improve the efficiency in the factory.

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Reformation

A period marked by large-scale shifts or changes.

The Reformation brought about significant cultural changes.

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Reform

(transitive) To put into a new and improved form or condition; to restore to a former good state, or bring from bad to good; to change from worse to better

To reform a profligate man; to reform corrupt manners or morals; to reform a criminal

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Reform

(intransitive) To return to a good state; to amend or correct one's own character or habits

It is hoped that many criminals, upon being freed, will eventually reform.

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Reform

To form again or in a new configuration.

This product contains reformed meat.

The regiment reformed after surviving the first attack.

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Reform

To put into a new and improved form or condition; to restore to a former good state, or bring from bad to good; to change from worse to better; to amend; to correct; as, to reform a profligate man; to reform corrupt manners or morals.

The example alone of a vicious prince will corrupt an age; but that of a good one will not reform it.

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Reform

To return to a good state; to amend or correct one's own character or habits; as, a man of settled habits of vice will seldom reform.

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Reform

Amendment of what is defective, vicious, corrupt, or depraved; reformation; as, reform of elections; reform of government.

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Reform

A change for the better as a result of correcting abuses;

Justice was for sale before the reform of the law courts

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Reform

A campaign aimed to correct abuses or malpractices;

The reforms he proposed were too radical for the politicians

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Reform

Self-improvement in behavior or morals by abandoning some vice;

The family rejoiced in the drunkard's reform

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Reform

Make changes for improvement in order to remove abuse and injustices;

Reform a political system

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Reform

Bring, lead, or force to abandon a wrong or evil course of life, conduct, and adopt a right one;

The Church reformed me

Reform your conduct

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Reform

Produce by cracking;

Reform gas

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Reform

Break up the molecules of;

Reform oil

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Reform

Improve by alteration or correction of errors or defects and put into a better condition;

Reform the health system in this country

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Reform

Change for the better;

The lazy student promised to reform

The habitual cheater finally saw the light

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Reform

The action of improving or rectifying something.

The senator pushed for prison reform.

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Reform

An improvement or change for the better.

His life took a positive turn after his personal reform.

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Reform

To amend or improve by change of form or removal of faults.

He took it upon himself to reform the outdated practices.

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FAQs

Can Reform be both a process and an action?

Yes, "Reform" can refer to the act of improving (noun) or the action of making changes (verb).

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Is Reformation always related to religion?

No, while often associated with the Protestant Reformation, "Reformation" can refer to any major change.

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What's a famous example of a Reformation?

The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century is a notable example.

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What drives the need for Reform?

Various factors, like societal needs, political pressures, or economic challenges, can drive "Reform."

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Does every Reform lead to a Reformation?

No, while "Reform" indicates improvements, not every "Reform" leads to large-scale "Reformation."

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How do you use Reform as a verb?

As a verb, "Reform" means to make changes, e.g., "The government plans to reform healthcare."

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Can reforms lead to negative outcomes?

While the intent is improvement, some reforms can have unforeseen negative impacts.

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Was the Protestant Reformation a Reform?

While it involved many reforms, its large scale makes it a Reformation.

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Are Reformation events always positive?

While aiming for positive change, the outcomes of a Reformation can vary in perception.

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Can a Reform be reversed?

Yes, like any change, reforms can be reversed or modified.

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Do all countries undergo Reformations?

Not necessarily, but most countries experience periods of significant change or "Reformation."

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Can personal changes be termed as Reform?

Yes, personal improvements or changes can be referred to as personal "Reform."

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How long does a Reformation last?

The duration can vary; some Reformations span decades, while others may be shorter.

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Is every change in policy a Reform?

Not necessarily; while policy changes can be reforms, not every change qualifies as a significant "Reform."

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Was the Renaissance a Reformation?

While both transformative, the Renaissance focused on cultural rebirth, whereas Reformation often implies structural changes.

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Is the term Reformation used in modern contexts?

While historically rooted, "Reformation" can describe modern large-scale changes too.

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Are reforms always initiated by governments?

No, reforms can stem from grassroots movements, NGOs, or even individuals.

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What's the verb form of Reformation?

"Reformation" is primarily a noun; the verb form related to it is "reform."

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Are there modern examples of Reform?

Yes, topics like climate change and social justice see ongoing reforms globally.

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Can a Reformation involve multiple Reforms?

Yes, a Reformation can encompass numerous individual reforms.

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About Author

Written by

Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by

Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.