Etymology

reformation

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Today it means: 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. Full definition →

Middle English reformacioun ← Middle French reformation ← Latin refōrmātiō, refōrmātiōnis
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reformation · noun1

  1. Latin · derived fromrefōrmātiō, refōrmātiōnis“reform, change”
  2. Middle French · derived fromreformation
  3. Middle English · inherited fromreformacioun
  4. English todayreformation

From Middle English reformacioun, reformation, from Middle French reformation and Latin refōrmātiō, refōrmātiōnis (“reform, change”), from refōrmō (“transform, reshape”), from re- + fōrmō (“shape, form”). By surface analysis, reform + -ation.

reformation · noun2

Originally a variant of Etymology 1. In later use also independently from re- + formation, after re-form.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.