Word
renovate
Phoneticsren·o·vate, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɛnəˌveɪt/
UK/ɹˈɛnəvˌeɪt/
Definitions
01to restore a building
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to repair and decorate an old building or room to make it look new and work better.
v. to restore a building, room, or structure to a good state of repair; implies significant structural or aesthetic improvement.
“They spent the whole summer renovating the old farmhouse before moving in.”
“The developers plan to renovate the historic warehouse, converting the upper floors into luxury apartments while maintaining the original brick facade.”
02to refresh or renew
C1 · Advanced Literary
v. to make something feel fresh, strong, or new again.
v. to restore to freshness, vigour, or a renewed state; often used in a more abstract or literary sense than physical construction.
“A week in the mountains helped renovate his tired spirit.”
“The spring rains seemed to renovate the parched landscape, bringing a sudden burst of green to the valley.”
Synonyms
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually a building, room, or piece of furniture.
Real-World Examples
“The house had been moved to the island and then renovated in 2013 before being rented privately.” “In recent years, the glazing has been renovated, carefully recutting the original ‘sparkle glass’.” This refers to textured glass panes that refract light so the building glitters in the sun.” Etymology
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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