Review vs. Revision: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Objective
To assess or evaluate the state or quality.
To make changes, corrections, or improvements.
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Action
Reflective, analytical.
Active, modifying.
Outcome
May conclude that no changes are needed.
Inherently results in modifications.
Context
Involves understanding, appreciating value.
Involves enhancing, aligning content.
Field of Use
Education, publishing, software development etc.
Writing, software development, academics etc.
Review and Revision Definitions
Review
Review is the act of examining something critically.
The play received a rave review in the newspaper.
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Revision
Revision is the act of revising, altering, or correcting text or plans.
The book is currently undergoing revision.
Review
Review refers to reconsidering and appraising a subject.
The committee will review your application.
Revision
Revision implies making improvements to any written or planned material.
The document needed extensive revision.
Review
Review is a write-up evaluating the qualities of a book, play, movie, etc.
I read an unfavorable review about the restaurant.
Revision
Revision is modifying content to improve clarity and coherence.
His essay required some revision for better flow.
Review
To look over, study, or examine again
Reviewed last week's lesson.
Revision
Revision involves adjusting, enhancing, or updating content or concepts.
The software received a major revision to fix the bugs.
Review
To consider retrospectively; look back on
Reviewed the day's events.
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.
Review
To examine with an eye to criticism or correction
Reviewed the research findings.
Revision
The act or process of revising.
Review
To write or give a critical report on (a new work or performance, for example).
Revision
A revised or new version, as of a book or other written material.
Review
(Law) To evaluate (a decision made by or action taken by a lower court) to determine whether any error was made.
Revision
(uncountable) The process of revising:
Review
To subject to a formal inspection, especially a military inspection.
Revision
The action or process of reviewing, editing and amending.
Review
To go over or restudy material
Reviewing for a final exam.
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!
Review
To write critical reviews, especially for a newspaper or magazine.
Revision
(countable) A changed edition, or new version; a modification.
Review
A reexamination or reconsideration.
Revision
(countable) A story corrected or expanded by a writer commissioned by the original author.
A revision story
Review
A retrospective view or survey.
Revision
To provide with a new vision.
What philosophy needs is to be revisioned with a more hopeful, engaged inspirational point of view.
Review
A restudying of subject matter.
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.
Review
An exercise for use in restudying material.
Revision
That which is made by revising.
Review
A report or essay giving a critical estimate of a work or performance.
Revision
The act of revising or altering (involving reconsideration and modification);
It would require a drastic revision of his opinion
Review
A periodical devoted to articles and essays on current affairs, literature, or art.
Revision
The act of rewriting something
Review
An inspection or examination for the purpose of evaluation.
Revision
Something that has been written again;
The rewrite was much better
Review
A formal military inspection.
Review
A formal military ceremony held in honor of a person or occasion.
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.
Review
A musical show consisting of often satirical skits, songs, and dances; a revue.
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.
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.
Review
(legal) A judicial reassessment of a case or an event.
The victims demanded a full judicial review of the case.
Review
A stage show made up of topical sketches etc.
The Cambridge Footlights Review launched many Monty Python faces.
Review
A survey of the available items or material.
The magazine contained a review of Paris restaurants.
Review
A periodical which makes a survey of the arts or some other field.
The Times Literary Review is published in London.
Review
A military inspection or display for the benefit of superiors or VIPs.
The troops assembled for a review by the Queen.
Review
A forensic inspection to assess compliance with regulations or some code.
The regulators demanded a review against NYSE practices.
Review
To survey; to look broadly over.
Before I tackle the question directly, I must briefly review historical approaches to the problem.
Review
To write a critical evaluation of a new art work etc.; to write a review.
The critic reviews every new play in London.
Review
To look back over in order to correct or edit; to revise.
Review
To look over again (something previously written or learned), especially in preparation for an examination.
Review
(obsolete) To view or see again; to look back on.
Review
(obsolete) To retrace; to go over again.
Review
To view or see again; to look back on.
Review
To go over and examine critically or deliberately.
Review
To retrace; to go over again.
Shall I the long, laborious scene review?
Review
To look back; to make a review.
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.
Review
An examination with a view to amendment or improvement; revision; as, an author's review of his works.
Review
A critical examination of a publication, with remarks; a criticism; a critique.
Review
A periodical containing critical essays upon matters of interest, as new productions in literature, art, etc.
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.
Review
The judicial examination of the proceedings of a lower court by a higher.
Review
A lesson studied or recited for a second time.
Review
A new appraisal or evaluation
Review
An essay or article that gives a critical evaluation (as of a book or play)
Review
A subsequent examination of a patient for the purpose of monitoring earlier treatment
Review
(accounting) a service (less exhaustive than an audit) that provides some assurance to interested parties as to the reliability of financial data
Review
A variety show with topical sketches and songs and dancing and comedians
Review
A periodical that publishes critical essays on current affairs or literature or art
Review
A summary at the end that repeats the substance of a longer discussion
Review
(law) a judicial reexamination of the proceedings of a court (especially by an appellate court)
Review
Practice intended to polish performance or refresh the memory
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
Review
Look at again; examine again;
Let's review your situation
Review
Appraise critically;
She reviews books for the New York Times
Please critique this performance
Review
Hold a review (of troops)
Review
Refresh one's memory;
I reviewed the material before the test
Review
Look back upon (a period of time, sequence of events, etc.); remember;
She reviewed her achievements with pride
Review
Review is a formal assessment with the possibility of instituting change.
The policy is under review.
Review
Review implies going over materials, usually for examination purposes.
She had a quick review of her notes before the test.
FAQs
Is a review always followed by a revision?
No, a review may conclude that no changes are necessary.
Does revision always improve the content?
The intent of revision is improvement, but it’s not guaranteed to always achieve it.
Can a review be formal or informal?
Yes, reviews can be both formal and informal, depending on the context.
Can revision occur without a prior review?
It can, but typically a review is conducted to identify areas needing revision.
Is revision only related to written content?
No, revision can refer to changes in plans, designs, strategies, etc.
Does a review provide feedback?
Yes, a review typically provides feedback, insights, or evaluations.
Are review and revision interdependent?
They can be, as review can identify the need for revision, but they can also occur independently.
Is a review subjective?
A review can be subjective, especially in arts and literature, but it can also be objective in other contexts.
Can a review assess the quality of something?
Yes, a review often assesses quality, effectiveness, and value.
Can revision be minor or major?
Yes, revisions can range from minor adjustments to major overhauls.
Can review and revision be a collaborative process?
Yes, both can involve multiple individuals providing insights, feedback, and modifications.
Is revision a one-time process?
No, revision can be iterative, with multiple rounds as needed.
Can anyone conduct a review?
Yes, but a qualified or knowledgeable reviewer may provide more insightful feedback.
What is the main goal of revision?
The main goal of revision is to improve, refine, and optimize content or plans.
Does revision require a critical perspective?
Yes, a critical and analytical perspective is essential for effective revision.
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
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
