Review vs. Revision: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 2, 2023
Review is assessing something, while revision involves making changes to improve it.

Key Differences
Review and revision are distinct processes in the examination or refinement of a work or concept. A review is primarily an evaluation or examination of something with the objective of appraising or assessing its state, quality, or performance. It involves a careful analysis to understand or appreciate the subject’s value or effectiveness. On the other hand, revision is the act of revising, which means making corrections, alterations, or modifications to improve the content or concept. It usually follows a review and is oriented towards enhancement and improvement.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
While a review is more about reflection, analysis, and evaluation, revision is about action, alteration, and improvement. For instance, an author may review a manuscript to understand its coherence, style, and structure, and then proceed to revision to make necessary amendments, enhancements, or corrections. A review does not necessarily result in changes, as it might conclude that no changes are needed, but revision inherently involves making changes, adjustments, or refinements.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
In an academic context, review and revision also have different connotations. Students review material to understand, memorize, and recall information, primarily aiming to assess and consolidate their knowledge. In contrast, revision in academic writing implies modifying the text to improve its coherence, clarity, and overall quality, ensuring that the content aligns better with the intended purpose, audience, and format.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
The terms review and revision are integral in various fields such as education, publishing, and software development. For example, in software development, a code review is conducted to assess the quality, functionality, and efficiency of the code, identifying any potential issues or improvements. Following the review, code revision may be undertaken to rectify identified issues, optimize performance, or enhance functionality.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
Comparison Chart
Objective
To assess or evaluate the state or quality.
To make changes, corrections, or improvements.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
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Outcome
May conclude that no changes are needed.
Inherently results in modifications.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Context
Involves understanding, appreciating value.
Involves enhancing, aligning content.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Field of Use
Education, publishing, software development etc.
Writing, software development, academics etc.

Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
Review and Revision Definitions
Review
Review is the act of examining something critically.
The play received a rave review in the newspaper.

Sara Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
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Revision
Revision is the act of revising, altering, or correcting text or plans.
The book is currently undergoing revision.

Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
Review
Review refers to reconsidering and appraising a subject.
The committee will review your application.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
Revision
Revision implies making improvements to any written or planned material.
The document needed extensive revision.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
Review
Review is a write-up evaluating the qualities of a book, play, movie, etc.
I read an unfavorable review about the restaurant.

Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
Revision
Revision is modifying content to improve clarity and coherence.
His essay required some revision for better flow.

Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
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Revision
Revision involves adjusting, enhancing, or updating content or concepts.
The software received a major revision to fix the bugs.

Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
Revision
Revision is refining ideas to align better with the intended purpose.
A revision of the design was necessary to meet the client’s needs.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Review
To examine with an eye to criticism or correction
Reviewed the research findings.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
To write or give a critical report on (a new work or performance, for example).

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
(Law) To evaluate (a decision made by or action taken by a lower court) to determine whether any error was made.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Revision
The action or process of reviewing something previously learned, especially one′s notes in preparation for a test or examination.
All that last minute revision really paid off in the exam! I got top marks!

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Revision
(countable) A story corrected or expanded by a writer commissioned by the original author.
A revision story

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Apr 29, 2023
Revision
To provide with a new vision.
What philosophy needs is to be revisioned with a more hopeful, engaged inspirational point of view.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Revision
The act of revising; reëxamination for correction; review; as, the revision of a book or writing, or of a proof sheet; a revision of statutes.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A report or essay giving a critical estimate of a work or performance.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Revision
The act of revising or altering (involving reconsideration and modification);
It would require a drastic revision of his opinion

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A periodical devoted to articles and essays on current affairs, literature, or art.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
(Law) An evaluation conducted by a higher court of a decision made or action taken by a lower court to determine whether any error was made.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A musical show consisting of often satirical skits, songs, and dances; a revue.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A second or subsequent reading of a text or artifact in an attempt to gain new insights.
I need to make a review of the book before I can understand it.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
An account intended as a critical evaluation of a text or a piece of work.
The newspaper review was full of praise for the play.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
(legal) A judicial reassessment of a case or an event.
The victims demanded a full judicial review of the case.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A stage show made up of topical sketches etc.
The Cambridge Footlights Review launched many Monty Python faces.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A survey of the available items or material.
The magazine contained a review of Paris restaurants.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A periodical which makes a survey of the arts or some other field.
The Times Literary Review is published in London.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A military inspection or display for the benefit of superiors or VIPs.
The troops assembled for a review by the Queen.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A forensic inspection to assess compliance with regulations or some code.
The regulators demanded a review against NYSE practices.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
To survey; to look broadly over.
Before I tackle the question directly, I must briefly review historical approaches to the problem.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
To write a critical evaluation of a new art work etc.; to write a review.
The critic reviews every new play in London.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
To look over again (something previously written or learned), especially in preparation for an examination.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
To retrace; to go over again.
Shall I the long, laborious scene review?

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A second or repeated view; a reëxamination; a retrospective survey; a looking over again; as, a review of one's studies; a review of life.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
An examination with a view to amendment or improvement; revision; as, an author's review of his works.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A critical examination of a publication, with remarks; a criticism; a critique.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A periodical containing critical essays upon matters of interest, as new productions in literature, art, etc.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
An inspection, as of troops under arms or of a naval force, by a high officer, for the purpose of ascertaining the state of discipline, equipments, etc.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
The judicial examination of the proceedings of a lower court by a higher.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
An essay or article that gives a critical evaluation (as of a book or play)

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A subsequent examination of a patient for the purpose of monitoring earlier treatment

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
(accounting) a service (less exhaustive than an audit) that provides some assurance to interested parties as to the reliability of financial data

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Apr 29, 2023
Review
A variety show with topical sketches and songs and dancing and comedians

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A periodical that publishes critical essays on current affairs or literature or art

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A summary at the end that repeats the substance of a longer discussion

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
(law) a judicial reexamination of the proceedings of a court (especially by an appellate court)

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
A formal or official examination;
The platoon stood ready for review
We had to wait for the inspection before we could use the elevator

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
Appraise critically;
She reviews books for the New York Times
Please critique this performance

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
Look back upon (a period of time, sequence of events, etc.); remember;
She reviewed her achievements with pride

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Review
Review is a formal assessment with the possibility of instituting change.
The policy is under review.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Review
Review implies going over materials, usually for examination purposes.
She had a quick review of her notes before the test.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
FAQs
Is a review always followed by a revision?
No, a review may conclude that no changes are necessary.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Does revision always improve the content?
The intent of revision is improvement, but it’s not guaranteed to always achieve it.

Sara Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Can a review be formal or informal?
Yes, reviews can be both formal and informal, depending on the context.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Can revision occur without a prior review?
It can, but typically a review is conducted to identify areas needing revision.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Is revision only related to written content?
No, revision can refer to changes in plans, designs, strategies, etc.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
Does a review provide feedback?
Yes, a review typically provides feedback, insights, or evaluations.

Sara Rehman
Sep 21, 2023
Are review and revision interdependent?
They can be, as review can identify the need for revision, but they can also occur independently.

Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
Is a review subjective?
A review can be subjective, especially in arts and literature, but it can also be objective in other contexts.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Can a review assess the quality of something?
Yes, a review often assesses quality, effectiveness, and value.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
Can revision be minor or major?
Yes, revisions can range from minor adjustments to major overhauls.

Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
Can review and revision be a collaborative process?
Yes, both can involve multiple individuals providing insights, feedback, and modifications.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Is revision a one-time process?
No, revision can be iterative, with multiple rounds as needed.

Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
Can anyone conduct a review?
Yes, but a qualified or knowledgeable reviewer may provide more insightful feedback.

Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
What is the main goal of revision?
The main goal of revision is to improve, refine, and optimize content or plans.

Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
Does revision require a critical perspective?
Yes, a critical and analytical perspective is essential for effective revision.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira 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
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
