renew

/rɪˈnuː/
verbIntermediate
general

to restore something to a previous state or condition

The rain helped renew the dry soil.

The rain restored moisture to the dry soil.

💡

Often used for restoring energy, strength, or vitality.

⚖️Law💼Business
formal

to extend the duration of something, such as a contract or license

The company chose to renew its lease for the office space.

The company extended its lease agreement for the office space.

💡

Common in legal and business contexts.

general

to make something new again, often by replacing parts or refreshing it

We need to renew our website design to keep it modern.

We need to refresh our website design to keep it up-to-date.

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Used for updating or revitalizing something.

Collocations

renew a subscriptionto extend a subscriptionrenew a contractto extend a contractrenew a licenseto extend a licenserenew one's energyto restore one's energy

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

renewable energyphrase
energy from sources that are naturally replenished
renewalphrase
the act of renewing something

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'renew' when something is being restored, extended, or refreshed.

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

In formal contexts, 'renew' often refers to extending contracts or licenses. In informal contexts, it can mean restoring energy or vitality.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'renewen', from Old French 'renover', from Latin 'renovare' (to renew), from 're-' (again) + 'novus' (new).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used both literally (restoring something) and figuratively (extending something's duration).

Word Breakdown

re-
again
prefix
+
-new
fresh or different
root
English Dictionary