WordGarden.iorevitalize
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪvˈaɪtəlˌaɪz/
US
- /riˈvaɪtəˌlaɪz/
Meanings
Verb
to make someone or something active, strong, or full of energy again
to stimulate new growth or activity in an economy, area, or organization
Beyond the definition
Imagine an old garden, overgrown with weeds and looking tired. To revitalize it means to bring it back to life - to feed the soil, cut away the dead growth, and help it bloom again. It's about giving something fresh energy. You might revitalize a struggling business by bringing in new ideas, or feel revitalized yourself after a long week and a good break.
The word hints at "life" - vita in Latin - so to revitalize is to put life back into something that has lost it. Think of a good night's sleep revitalizing your mind. It's more than just fixing something; it's about helping it grow strong again.
To revitalize means to restore vitality - energy, strength, and activity - to something that has become weak, stagnant, or run-down. It goes beyond simply repairing damage; it's about bringing a renewed sense of life and purpose. For example: "The city invested in new parks and public spaces to revitalize the downtown area," suggesting they wanted to make it vibrant and attractive again.
Revitalize can be used in many contexts, from physical things like buildings or ecosystems ("efforts to revitalize the coral reef") to abstract concepts like relationships or economies ("the new policy is intended to revitalize the struggling industry"). It often implies a process of renewal and improvement.
You might revitalize your routine by adding exercise, revitalize a friendship by reconnecting with an old friend, or even revitalize a recipe by trying a new ingredient. The key is that something was lacking energy or health, and now it's being brought back to a more vibrant state.
The word carries a positive connotation – it suggests hope, growth, and the potential for renewed success. It's about breathing fresh life into something that needs it most. So when you hear "revitalize," think of restoration, renewal, and a return to thriving health or activity.
Examples
- 1
Urban renewal
The city hopes the new park will revitalize the downtown area.
- 2
Local economy
Fresh investment helped revitalize the local economy.
- 3
Company leadership
The new CEO was hired to revitalize the company after two difficult years.
- 4
Workplace burnout
A shorter workweek could revitalize the team and reduce burnout.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Creative interest
Traveling alone revitalized her interest in photography.
- 6
Personal relationship
The couple took a weekend away to revitalize their relationship.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- revitalize the economy
- revitalize a neighborhood
- revitalize a brand
- revitalize interest in
Word family
Explore
- urban renewal
- economic recovery
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- revitalizeverb
Forms
- revitalizedpast tenseverb
- revitalizing-ing formverb
- revitalizesverb