restate

Everyday

1. To restate something is to say it again, often in different, clearer words. tree →
2. (formal) To restate a rule, view or promise is to say it again firmly. tree →

In the lessons

In maths, pupils restate a word problem in their own words to understand it; in writing, a conclusion often restates the main idea. In reading tests, «restate the question in your answer» is a common tip. Phrases: «restate the question», «restate the main idea», «restate in your own words».

Examples

• Start your answer by restating the question. tree →
• Can you restate the problem in your own words? tree →
• The conclusion restates the main point of the essay. tree →
• The head teacher restated the rule about phones. tree →
• When I restated the problem, I saw it was a subtraction. tree →
• She restated her promise to help. tree →
• Restate the fact more simply for younger children. tree →

Note

Regular verb: restated. «Re-» means again. Similar: rephrase, repeat, paraphrase. Restating is not copying word for word; usually the words change but the meaning stays.