Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To make something new, fresh, or strong again: To restore or replenish something that has been depleted, worn out, or interrupted, returning it to its original or an improved state.
   • To begin or take up again: To resume an activity, agreement, or state after an interruption.
   • To extend the validity of: To continue something, such as a contract, license, or subscription, for a further period.

Usage and Examples

• To restore or replenish:
  • The rain helped to renew the parched soil.
  • A good night's sleep can renew your energy.
• To resume or reestablish:
  • They met for coffee to renew their acquaintance.
  • After the argument, they renewed their efforts to communicate better.
• To extend validity:
  • I need to renew my passport before it expires.
  • Did you remember to renew the library books?

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Renew one's faith/confidence/hope": To feel a particular positive emotion again or more strongly.
  • The successful test results renewed her confidence in the project.
• "Renew a commitment/vow/promise": To formally affirm or promise something again.
  • The couple renewed their wedding vows on their 25th anniversary.
• In a legal or formal context, "renew" often implies a formal act of continuation.
  • The board voted to renew the CEO's contract for three more years.

Variants and Related Words

• Renewable (adjective): Capable of being renewed; (of a resource) not depleted when used.
  • Solar power is a renewable energy source.
  • The subscription is renewable annually.
• Renewal (noun): The act of renewing or the state of being renewed.
  • The urban renewal project transformed the old district.
  • Spring is a time of renewal.
• Renewed (adjective): Having been started again or restored.
  • She continued her work with renewed enthusiasm.

Synonyms

• Restore: To bring back to an original condition.
• Resume: To begin again after interruption.
• Replenish: To fill something up again.
• Extend: To cause to last longer.
• Revive: To return to consciousness, life, or strength.

Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Renew" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically conveyed alone or within specific phrases.)

Idioms and Common Phrases

• To renew one's strength: To rest and recover energy.
  • He took a short break to renew his strength before the final climb.
• A sense of renewal: A feeling of being refreshed or starting anew.
  • The retreat gave her a wonderful sense of renewal.

Verb

1. cause to appear in a new form
   • the old product was reincarnated to appeal to a younger market
2. reestablish on a new, usually improved, basis or make new or like new
   • We renewed our friendship after a hiatus of twenty years
   • They renewed their membership