Definition

1. Verb:
   • To restore something to a good state of repair, to make it like new again: This is the most common meaning. It involves repairing, updating, or improving an old building, room, or object.
   • To revive or reinvigorate someone or something, to give new life or energy: A more figurative meaning, referring to restoring strength, spirit, or vitality.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (Restoring a structure or object):

  • They decided to renovate the old house before moving in.
  • The city plans to renovate the public library next year.
  • We are renovating the kitchen to make it more modern.

• Verb (Reviving energy or spirit):

  • A long vacation helped to renovate her enthusiasm for work.
  • The cool breeze renovated my spirits after the long, hot walk.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Renovate vs. Remodel: While both involve improvement, "renovate" often implies restoring to a former (good) condition or making functional again. "Remodel" implies changing the structure or form.
• Renovate vs. Restore: "Restore" often means returning something to its original, historical state. "Renovate" can include modernization and may not strictly preserve the original design.
• "To be in need of renovation": A common phrase describing something that is old and requires updating or repair.
  • The office building is in desperate need of renovation.

Variants and Related Words

• Renovation (noun): The process or act of renovating.
  • The renovation of the theater took over a year.
• Renovator (noun): A person or company that renovates.

Synonyms

• Refurbish: To clean, decorate, and repair, especially a building.
• Revamp: To give new and improved form, structure, or appearance.
• Revive: To restore to life, consciousness, or strength (closer to the figurative sense).
• Overhaul: To examine thoroughly and make necessary repairs or changes.

Antonyms

• Demolish: To pull or knock down (a building).
• Neglect: To fail to care for properly.
• Deteriorate: To become progressively worse.

Common Collocations

• Renovate a house / building / apartment / kitchen / bathroom.
• Renovate a historic building / landmark.
• Undergo a major / complete / extensive renovation.

Verb

1. give new life or energy to
   • A hot soup will revive me
   • This will renovate my spirits
   • This treatment repaired my health
2. make brighter and prettier
   • we refurbished the guest wing
   • My wife wants us to renovate
3. restore to a previous or better condition
   • They renovated the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel