C1noun2K

Reconstruction

UK /["/ˌriːkənˈstrʌkʃn/"]/US /["/ˌriːkənˈstrʌkʃn/"]/

Definition

the process of changing or improving the condition of something or the way it works; the process of putting something back into the state it was in before

In simple words: The process of building something again after it has been damaged or destroyed.

Examples

  • The reconstruction of the ancient temple took several years to complete.
  • After the war, the reconstruction of the devastated cities was a slow and costly process.
  • The reconstruction of the accident scene helped police understand what had happened.
  • During the Reconstruction period after the American Civil War, significant political and social changes took place.
  • Reconstruction of the DNA sequence allows scientists to study genetic mutations in detail.
  • The museum displayed a reconstruction of a prehistoric animal based on fossil evidence.
  • Technological reconstruction of historical sites can create virtual tours for educational purposes.

Usage notes

Commonly used in contexts like history, architecture, or disaster recovery. Less appropriate in casual conversations; better suited for formal reports or discussions.

Grammar pattern

reconstruction + of + noun

Memory hint

Think of 're-construct' like building something again, like reconstructing a model.

Collocations

  • major
  • complete
  • total
  • undergo
  • undertake
  • perform
  • period
  • effort
  • work
  • a reconstruction based on something
  • major
  • complete
  • total
  • undergo
  • undertake
  • perform
  • period
  • effort
  • work
  • a reconstruction based on something
  • major
  • complete
  • total
  • undergo
  • undertake
  • perform
  • period
  • effort
  • work
  • a reconstruction based on something
  • major
  • complete
  • total
  • undergo
  • undertake
  • perform
  • period
  • effort
  • work
  • a reconstruction based on something

Synonyms

  • rebuilding
  • restoration
  • renewal
  • rehabilitation
  • reformation

Antonyms

  • destruction
  • demolition

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'destruction' — the opposite meaning.
  • Using the word in a non-building context (e.g., emotions) despite its physical connotation.
  • Incorrectly conjugating the word based on tense.