# Renaissance

/ˌɹɛnəˈsɑns/ (US) · /ɹɪnˈeɪsəns/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 2. a general revival

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a new interest in something that has not been popular or successful for a long time.

For teachers: a resurgence or rebirth of interest, success, or activity in a specific field or culture.

- The city is experiencing a cultural renaissance with many new galleries opening.
- The late twentieth century witnessed a renaissance in traditional folk music, driven by a younger generation of artists rediscovering their heritage.

### 3. relating to the period

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to the style of art, music, or buildings from the Renaissance period.

For teachers: pertaining to the characteristics, style, or era of the European Renaissance.

- She loves visiting museums to see Renaissance paintings.
- The chapel is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, featuring perfectly symmetrical proportions and classical columns.

## Examples

- The Renaissance changed how people thought about art.
- Historians often study the Renaissance to understand the transition from the Middle Ages to the modern world.
- The city is currently experiencing a cultural Renaissance, with local government investing heavily in public galleries and music venues to revitalize the downtown district.

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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.