WordGarden.iorenew
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪnjˈuː/
US
- /rɪˈnu/
Meanings
Verb
to extend the validity of an agreement, license, subscription, or official document
to make something fresh, strong, or effective again
to begin, repeat, or take up something again after a pause
Beyond the definition
Imagine an old photograph, faded with time. To renew it might mean carefully restoring the colors, bringing back its original vibrancy. But "renew" is about more than just fixing things! It can also mean to begin something again, like renewing a friendship after a disagreement, or renewing your commitment to a healthy lifestyle. You renew a subscription so you don't lose access, and spring renews the earth after winter's cold grip.
Think of it as giving something – or yourself – a fresh start. If your driver's license is expiring, you need to renew it! It implies a continuation, but with a sense of revitalization. A contract renewal means extending an agreement, while renewing your energy might mean taking a nap or going for a walk.
To renew something means to make it active, strong, or valid again, or to extend it so it continues. It's a versatile word that applies to both concrete things and abstract ideas. For example: "The spa treatment helped renew her energy," or "She renewed her gym membership for another year."
As a verb, renew can mean to begin something again, like renewing contact after many years apart. You might say, "After their argument, they worked hard to renew trust in their relationship." It also frequently refers to extending the validity of something: "She had to renew her passport before traveling abroad."
The concept of renewal is often tied to cycles and rebirth. Think about nature: spring renews the landscape after winter, bringing new growth and life. This sense of revitalization extends beyond the natural world. You can renew your vows on a wedding anniversary, or renew your commitment to a cause you believe in.
In legal contexts, renewal often refers to extending an agreement or contract. "The company renewed its lease for another five years." It's about keeping something going, ensuring it continues to be valid and effective.
So whether it's restoring energy, starting a connection again, or extending something official, to renew is to bring back life, strength, or validity to something that might otherwise fade away.
Examples
- 1
Passport
I need to renew my passport before our trip in July.
- 2
Subscription
She renewed her online subscription for another year.
- 3
Rental lease
The landlord agreed to renew the lease on the apartment.
- 4
Renewed efforts
After a short break, the team renewed its efforts to find a solution.
- Patternrenew efforts to do something
start trying hard again
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public interest
The film has renewed interest in her earlier work.
- 6
Diplomacy
After months of silence, the two countries decided to renew diplomatic relations.
- 7
Wedding vows
On their twentieth anniversary, they renewed their wedding vows.
- Phraserenew wedding vows
make the same marriage promises again in a ceremony
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- renewverb
Forms
- renewedpast tenseverb
- renewing-ing formverb
- renewsverb