Reformation vs. Reform: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || 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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
Context
Often related to major historical shifts.
Can be applied in a variety of scenarios.
Implication
Suggests complete or radical change.
Indicates targeted improvements.
Grammatical Usage
Mainly used as a noun.
Can function as both a noun and a verb.
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.
Reform
An amendment of what is wrong or corrupt.
Tax reform was at the forefront of the political campaign.
Reformation
A complete overhaul of an existing system or belief.
The Reformation of the judicial system was widely applauded.
Reform
To make changes to improve a system.
The committee will reform the existing guidelines.
Reformation
A major change or transformation in structure or nature.
The Renaissance was followed by the Reformation in Europe.
Reform
To improve by alteration, correction of error, or removal of defects; put into a better form or condition
Reform the tax code.
Reformation
The act of reforming or the state of being reformed.
Reform
To abolish abuse or malpractice in
Reform the government.
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.
Reform
To put an end to (an abuse or wrong).
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.
Reform
To induce or persuade (a person) to give up harmful or immoral practices; cause to adopt a better way of life.
Reformation
(law) Change or correction, by a court in equity, to a written instrument to conform to the original intention of the parties.
Reform
(Chemistry) To subject (hydrocarbons) to cracking.
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.
Reform
To change for the better.
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.
Reform
Action to improve or correct what is wrong or defective in something
Health care reform.
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
Reform
An instance of this; an improvement
Reforms in education.
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
Reform
Relating to or favoring reform
A reform candidate for mayor.
Reformation
Rescuing from error and returning to a rightful course;
The reclamation of delinquent children
Reform
Reform Of or relating to Reform Judaism.
Reformation
A historical movement for religious change.
Martin Luther was a key figure in the Protestant Reformation.
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.
Reformation
A period marked by large-scale shifts or changes.
The Reformation brought about significant cultural changes.
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
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.
Reform
To form again or in a new configuration.
This product contains reformed meat.
The regiment reformed after surviving the first attack.
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.
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.
Reform
Amendment of what is defective, vicious, corrupt, or depraved; reformation; as, reform of elections; reform of government.
Reform
A change for the better as a result of correcting abuses;
Justice was for sale before the reform of the law courts
Reform
A campaign aimed to correct abuses or malpractices;
The reforms he proposed were too radical for the politicians
Reform
Self-improvement in behavior or morals by abandoning some vice;
The family rejoiced in the drunkard's reform
Reform
Make changes for improvement in order to remove abuse and injustices;
Reform a political system
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
Reform
Produce by cracking;
Reform gas
Reform
Break up the molecules of;
Reform oil
Reform
Improve by alteration or correction of errors or defects and put into a better condition;
Reform the health system in this country
Reform
Change for the better;
The lazy student promised to reform
The habitual cheater finally saw the light
Reform
The action of improving or rectifying something.
The senator pushed for prison reform.
Reform
An improvement or change for the better.
His life took a positive turn after his personal reform.
Reform
To amend or improve by change of form or removal of faults.
He took it upon himself to reform the outdated practices.
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).
Is Reformation always related to religion?
No, while often associated with the Protestant Reformation, "Reformation" can refer to any major change.
What's a famous example of a Reformation?
The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century is a notable example.
What drives the need for Reform?
Various factors, like societal needs, political pressures, or economic challenges, can drive "Reform."
Does every Reform lead to a Reformation?
No, while "Reform" indicates improvements, not every "Reform" leads to large-scale "Reformation."
How do you use Reform as a verb?
As a verb, "Reform" means to make changes, e.g., "The government plans to reform healthcare."
Can reforms lead to negative outcomes?
While the intent is improvement, some reforms can have unforeseen negative impacts.
Was the Protestant Reformation a Reform?
While it involved many reforms, its large scale makes it a Reformation.
Are Reformation events always positive?
While aiming for positive change, the outcomes of a Reformation can vary in perception.
Can a Reform be reversed?
Yes, like any change, reforms can be reversed or modified.
Do all countries undergo Reformations?
Not necessarily, but most countries experience periods of significant change or "Reformation."
Can personal changes be termed as Reform?
Yes, personal improvements or changes can be referred to as personal "Reform."
How long does a Reformation last?
The duration can vary; some Reformations span decades, while others may be shorter.
Is every change in policy a Reform?
Not necessarily; while policy changes can be reforms, not every change qualifies as a significant "Reform."
Was the Renaissance a Reformation?
While both transformative, the Renaissance focused on cultural rebirth, whereas Reformation often implies structural changes.
Is the term Reformation used in modern contexts?
While historically rooted, "Reformation" can describe modern large-scale changes too.
Are reforms always initiated by governments?
No, reforms can stem from grassroots movements, NGOs, or even individuals.
What's the verb form of Reformation?
"Reformation" is primarily a noun; the verb form related to it is "reform."
Are there modern examples of Reform?
Yes, topics like climate change and social justice see ongoing reforms globally.
Can a Reformation involve multiple Reforms?
Yes, a Reformation can encompass numerous individual reforms.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
