Cool MateRevise vs Update
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Revise
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Update
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
| Revise | Update | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //rɪˈvaɪz//🇺🇸 //rɪˈvaɪz// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌʌpˈdeɪt/","/ˌʌpˈdeɪts/","/ˌʌpˈdeɪtɪd/","/ˌʌpˈdeɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌʌpˈdeɪt/","/ˌʌpˈdeɪts/","/ˌʌpˈdeɪtɪd/","/ˌʌpˈdeɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To study or change something to improve it. | To make something new or better. |
| Example | I need to revise my notes before the exam. | Please update the software to the latest version. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | revise for an exam, revise a document, revise a proposal, revise your work, revise a plan | constantly, continually, continuously, try to, need to, on, to, with, constantly, continually, continuously, try to, need to, on, to, with |
| Antonyms | ignore, neglect, overlook | degrade, downgrade |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'review'; 'revise' implies making changes, while 'review' means to look over., Using 'revise' without an object; it should always be 'revise something'., Using 'revise' in contexts that require 'edit'; be sure to consider the difference. | Confusing 'update' with 'upgrade', which means to improve or enhance something., Using 'updating' as a noun, instead of 'update'., Omitting the object when saying 'I will update' — it should be clear what is being updated. |
| Usage notes | Use 'revise' when talking about reviewing materials or making improvements. It's common in academic contexts but can also apply to work projects. Avoid using it in casual conversations. | Use 'update' when talking about changing information to reflect new details. It's appropriate in both personal and professional contexts, but avoid using it in overly casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Revise vs Update
What's the difference between Revise and Update?
Revise: To study or change something to improve it. Update: To make something new or better.
Are Revise and Update the same CEFR level?
Revise: B1, Update: B1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Revise and Update interchangeably?
Not always. Revise and Update are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.