# rebirth

/ɹiˈbɝθ/ (US) · /ɹɪbˈɜːθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rebirth
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. revival or renewal

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. reincarnation

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. spiritual change

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to be born again

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The city is experiencing a cultural rebirth.
- After years of economic decline, the downtown area saw a rebirth as new businesses and galleries opened.
- The Renaissance is often described as a rebirth of classical learning and artistic innovation that transformed the European intellectual landscape.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.