English Reference

Word

rebirth

Phoneticsre·birth, stress on the second syllable

US/ɹiˈbɝθ/

UK/ɹɪbˈɜːθ/

Definitions

01revival or renewal

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the process of something becoming popular, active, or successful again after a period of failure or being forgotten.

n. the revival or reinvigoration of a movement, period, or institution after a period of decline.

“The city has seen a cultural rebirth with many new galleries and theaters opening.”

“The decade witnessed a remarkable rebirth of traditional craftsmanship as consumers began to reject mass-produced goods in favour of artisanal quality.”

Antonyms

02reincarnation

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Religion

n. the belief that a person's soul is born again in a new body after they die.

n. the theological or philosophical concept of reincarnation; the transition of a soul into a new physical form.

“Many eastern religions include the concept of rebirth as a central part of their faith.”

“The doctrine of rebirth suggests that the conditions of one's current life are influenced by actions taken in previous existences.”

Synonyms

reincarnationtransmigration

03spiritual change

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal

n. a major change in your life that makes you feel like a new person, often because of religion.

n. a profound spiritual or psychological transformation resulting in a renewed sense of purpose or identity.

“After his long illness, he felt a sense of spiritual rebirth and started traveling.”

“The protagonist undergoes a psychological rebirth, shedding his cynical worldview after a series of life-altering encounters in the wilderness.”

04to be born again

C2 · Proficiency Literary

v. to be born again or to start existing again in a new way.

v. to undergo a process of revival or spiritual renewal; to be brought back into existence or prominence.

“The old factory was rebirthed as a modern apartment complex.”

“In his poetry, the landscape is rebirthed with every changing season, reflecting the cyclical nature of the human spirit.”

Usage

Often used in the passive voice or as a participle.

Synonyms

Etymology

From re- + birth.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/rebirth

English Reference