ENGLISH
REFERENCE

renovate

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɹɛnəˌveɪt// UK //ɹˈɛnəvˌeɪt// ren·o·vate Archaic

v. to repair and improve an old building so that it is in good condition again. You use this when you talk about making a house or room look new.

v. to restore a building or structure to a good state of repair. Transitive; typically implies structural improvements or aesthetic modernisation rather than simple maintenance.


SIMPLE

They plan to renovate the old kitchen next summer.

CONTEXTUAL

The couple bought a cheap, run-down farmhouse and spent two years working to renovate it into a modern home.

COMPLEX

The city council allocated significant funds to renovate the historic library, ensuring that the original architecture was preserved while updating the internal electrical systems.

Synonyms
Origin

The adjective first attested in 1440, the verb in 1535; from Middle English renovat(e) (“renewed”), from Latin renovātus, perfect passive participle of renovō (“to renew”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Participial usage up until Early Modern English.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually a building, room, or piece of furniture.

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