Ask Difference

Reformation vs. Reform — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 27, 2023
Reformation is a major, often institutional or systemic change. Reform is a modification or improvement, usually less extensive than reformation.
Reformation vs. Reform — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Reformation and Reform

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Key Differences

A significant or radical transformation, typically involving widespread changes.
Historically, often refers to the 16th-century religious movement that led to the establishment of Protestant churches.
Can imply a process of rectifying or correcting what is perceived as fundamentally wrong or flawed.
May involve dismantling existing structures to create new ones.
Often carries historical or grand-scale connotations.
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Generally denotes making changes or improvements, often to correct faults or abuses.
Usually involves modifications within existing structures rather than complete overhaul.
More focused on incremental or step-by-step improvements.
Can apply to a wide range of contexts, from personal habits to legislative changes.
Often seen as a more pragmatic approach to change.

Comparison Chart

Scope

Broad, systemic changes
Smaller, incremental changes

Context

Often historic, large-scale transformations
Applies to a wide range of contexts

Nature

Radical and foundational
Improvement-oriented, corrective

Structural Change

May involve creating new structures
Works within existing structures

Connotation

Grand, sometimes revolutionary
Practical, often seen as pragmatic

Compare with Definitions

Reformation

The Reformation led to the establishment of Protestant churches.

Reform

The reform of the education system improved outcomes.

Reformation

The company's reformation involved complete restructuring.

Reform

Legislative reform helped protect consumer rights.

Reformation

Environmental reformation is crucial for sustainability.

Reform

Social reform is necessary for equality.

Reformation

The reformation of societal norms takes generations.

Reform

Reform (Latin: reformo) means the improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, unsatisfactory, etc. The use of the word in this way emerges in the late 18th century and is believed to originate from Christopher Wyvill's Association movement which identified “Parliamentary Reform” as its primary aim.

Reformation

The Protestant Reformation (alternatively and sometimes named the Protestant Revolution or European Reformation), was a major movement within Western Christianity in 16th-century Europe that posed a religious and political challenge to the Catholic Church, and in particular to papal authority, arising from what were perceived to be errors, abuses, and discrepancies by the Catholic Church. The Reformation was the start of Protestantism and the split of the Western Church into Protestantism and what is now the Catholic Church.

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

The technological reformation changed how we communicate.

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.

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

His reform from bad habits was commendable.

Reform

Economic reform stabilized the market.

Common Curiosities

Can Reformation apply to non-religious contexts?

Yes, it can signify major changes in any institutional or systemic context.

Is Reform always less extensive than Reformation?

Generally, yes. Reform often implies smaller, more incremental changes.

Can a reform lead to a reformation?

Yes, cumulative reforms can sometimes trigger broader reformation.

Is Reformation always positive?

It's intended to be positive, but perspectives on its outcomes can vary.

What is the historical significance of the Reformation?

The Reformation refers to the 16th-century movement leading to the creation of Protestant churches.

Are Reformation and Reform interchangeable?

No, they differ in scope and nature of change.

Can Reformation be gradual?

It's typically seen as a more abrupt or radical change.

Can organizations undergo Reformation?

Yes, organizations can experience foundational changes.

Can an individual undertake a personal reformation?

Yes, though it's more commonly referred to as personal transformation or overhaul.

What are examples of Reform?

Examples include policy reforms, legal reforms, and changes to personal habits.

Do Reforms always succeed?

Not necessarily; effectiveness depends on execution and context.

Can Reformation occur in technology?

Yes, technological advancements can lead to significant systemic changes.

Is Reform always deliberate?

Typically, yes, as it involves intentional changes or improvements.

Is Reformation always historical?

No, but it often carries historical connotations due to its scale.

Do Reforms require broad consensus?

Not always, but broader support can enhance their effectiveness.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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