The Spanish verb 'reformar' (to reform) comes from the Latin verb 'reformare', which meant 'to reshape' or 'reform'. The Latin word was formed by combining the prefix 're-' (meaning 'again' or 'back') with the noun 'forma' (meaning 'form' or 'shape'), plus a verb ending. So literally, 'reformare' meant 'to form again' or 'to reshape'. When this word entered Spanish, it maintained a similar meaning but took on the Spanish infinitive ending '-ar'.

Some simpler related Spanish words include 'forma' (form, shape) and 'formar' (to form). These words share the same Latin root 'forma'. While 'formar' means to create or form something for the first time, 'reformar' specifically implies changing or improving something that already exists.

English speakers will recognize many cognates from this word family, including 'reform', 'form', 'format', and 'formation'. All these words trace back to the same Latin root 'forma'. The English word 'reform' is particularly close to Spanish 'reformar', as they both inherited the 're-' prefix and the core meaning of making changes to improve something.