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renew

v.
US //ɹɪˈnu// UK //ɹɪnjˈuː// re·new
  1. 1 to extend a contract or loan (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to make an agreement, like a passport or a library book, last for a longer time.

    to extend the period of validity of a contract, license, or loan agreement.

    Example

    I need to go to the library to renew my books for another two weeks.

    Example

    The tenant expressed a desire to renew the lease for another year, provided the landlord agreed to keep the rent at the current rate.

    Usage

    Often used with objects like 'passport', 'subscription', 'lease', or 'membership'.
  2. 2 to start again (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to begin an activity again after a break.

    to resume or recommence an activity or relationship after an interruption.

    Example

    The two countries decided to renew their trade talks after the summer break.

    Example

    After a decade of silence, the estranged brothers decided to renew their relationship following their father's funeral.

    Usage

    Commonly collocates with 'efforts', 'interest', 'vows', or 'friendship'.
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  1. 3 to restore or replace (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to make something look or feel new again by repairing or replacing parts.

    to restore something to its original state or to replace exhausted supplies.

    Example

    The spring rain helped to renew the dry garden and make it green again.

    Example

    The body has a remarkable ability to renew its own cells, though this process slows down significantly as we age.
Origin

From Middle English renewen, an alteration (possibly on analogy with Latin renovāre) of earlier anewen (“to renew”), from Old English nīewian (“to restore; renovate; renew”), equivalent to re- + new. Cognate with Old High German giniuwōn (“to renew”), Middle High German geniuwen (“to renew”), Old Norse nýja (“to renew”).

Word family

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