restate

restate — verb

1. to express an idea, opinion, or fact using different words, often so that the me

1.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to express an idea, opinion, or fact using different words, often so that the meaning becomes clearer or more forceful.

Example

Ritu did not understand the question, so the teacher restated it in simpler words.

restate + noun phrase, passive recipient as learner

The manager restated the company rules at the meeting last Friday.

restate + formal object (rules)

Common collocations
  • restate a question
  • restate an argument
  • restate the problem
  • restate a position
Synonyms
  • rephrase

    focuses on changing the wording, not necessarily making the meaning stronger; more neutral than restate

  • reiterate

    often means saying the same thing multiple times rather than rewording it; more formal

  • summarize

    means giving a shorter version of what was said, not just saying it differently

Grammar Patterns

restate + noun phrase

restate + that-clause

Usage Note

Common in formal or written contexts. Frequently used with a direct object in active or passive voice; the that-clause pattern is especially common in reported speech and official announcements.

Common Mistakes

She restated again the same point.
She restated the same point.
'restate' already carries the meaning of 'again,' so 'again' is redundant.

Word family

  • restatement
    nounB2
  • restated
    adjectiveC1
  • restating
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

Restate, rephrase, and reiterate all involve saying something again, but with different emphases. To restate is to express the same idea in different words, usually to make the meaning clearer or stronger — it is common in formal writing and speeches. To rephrase is very close but focuses purely on changing the wording; you might rephrase a sentence for style rather than clarity. To reiterate is to say the same thing multiple times, often without changing the words, and carries a tone of insistence. Repeat is the most general and neutral term. Summarize is different: it condenses a longer statement into a shorter one. For example: 'The professor restated the theory in plain language.' 'She reiterated her warning three times.' 'Can you repeat that?' 'He summarized the article in two sentences.'

rephrasereiteraterepeat ↗summarize ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • restate in different terms
  • restate in one's own words

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Formed in English by combining the prefix re- ('again') with the verb state ('to express in words'). State comes from Latin status ('condition, position'), which passed through Old French estat before entering English. The earliest known use of restate dates from the early 1700s.