revaluate

[ ree-val-yoo-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, re·val·u·at·ed, re·val·u·at·ing.

1. to make a new or revised valuation of; revalue.
2. to increase the legal exchange value of (a nation's currency) relative to other currencies.

Other Words From

• re·valu·ation noun
• nonre·valu·ation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of revaluate¹

1920–25; probably back formation from revaluation; re-, value, -ate ¹

More About Revaluate

What does revaluate mean?

Revaluate means to set a new value for something or revise the estimate of something’s worth. In the specific context of currency exchange, it means to officially change the exchange value of a currency (such as the U.S. dollar), usually so that it’s worth more compared to other currencies.

Currency exchange is the exchange of one currency (such as the U.S. dollar) for another (such as the British pound). In the system where officials change the exchange rate, the currency is said to have been revaluated, especially if it increases.

Example: Pressure has been put on the nation to revaluate its currency. 

Where does revaluate come from?

The first records of revaluate in English come from the first part of the 1900s. It is a back formation of revaluation, meaning revaluation came first and then people turned it into the verb revaluate.

Revaluate is often used in the context of money and finance and can mean the same thing as revalue—“to give something a new value.” But it’s often used more narrowly to refer to currency exchange. In a very simplified example, suppose one U.S. dollar could be exchanged for two British pounds. If the pound were to be revaluated to exchange at a rate of one pound for one dollar, it would be worth more. Revaluate is usually used to indicate that the currency will be worth more. When the rate is changed so that the currency is worth less, it has been devaluated or devalued.

Revaluate is sometimes used in the same way as reevaluate, which usually refers to a general assessment of something, but this isn’t always seen as an appropriate use of the word.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms of revaluate?

• revaluation (noun)

What are some synonyms for revaluate?

• revalue

What are some words that share a root or word element with revaluate? 

• value
• evaluate

What are some words that often get used in discussing revaluate?

• currency
• rate
• exchange
• devalue
• increase

What are some words revaluate may be commonly confused with?

• reevaluate

How is revaluate used in real life?

Revaluate can be used generally when changing the value of something, but it’s typically used in the specific context of currency exchange.

US Treasury once again asks Beijing to revaluate the Yuan. Accusations of currency manipulation put aside for the time being. #China

— Andrea Bernardi 博安迪 (@Bernardi_UK) November 28, 2012

Try using revaluate!

If the exchange rate was one dollar for one euro, but the euro was revaluated to exchange for two dollars, would the euro be worth more or less?