English Reference

Word

revival

Phoneticsre·vival

US/ɹiˈvaɪvəɫ/

UK/ɹɪvˈaɪvəl/

Definitions

01renewed popularity

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. when something from the past becomes popular or successful again.

n. the return to popularity, activity, or fashion of a practice, style, or cultural movement.

“There has been a huge revival of vinyl records among young music fans.”

“The city's industrial district is undergoing a cultural revival, with old warehouses being converted into modern art galleries and studios.”

02theatre/media

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Theater

n. a new production of an old play, or a TV show that returns after being cancelled.

n. a new production of a previously performed play or the resumption of a television series after a significant hiatus.

“The theatre is planning a revival of the famous musical next summer.”

“Fans were delighted when the network announced a limited-series revival of the cult classic ten years after its final episode aired.”

Synonyms

relaunchre-staging

03health or energy

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal

n. the return of strength, energy, or a good mood.

n. the restoration of physical strength, consciousness, or emotional vitality after a period of weakness or depression.

“After a short nap and a glass of water, she felt a revival of her energy.”

“The patient showed a sudden revival of spirits when her family arrived, showing more alertness than she had in days.”

04religious awakening

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Religion

n. a period when many people become interested in religion again.

n. a period of renewed religious interest and enthusiasm within a community, often marked by evangelistic meetings.

“The preacher travelled across the country holding large revival meetings in tents.”

“Historians often study the Great Awakening as a pivotal religious revival that reshaped the social fabric of the American colonies.”

Synonyms

05legal restoration

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Law Technical · Formal

n. making a law or a legal case valid again.

n. the restoration of legal force, validity, or the reinstatement of a previously terminated legal action.

“The lawyer argued for the revival of the case based on new evidence.”

“The statute allows for the revival of certain debt claims if the debtor makes a partial payment after the limitation period has expired.”

Antonyms

nullification

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “revival” in context.

Verb

01. lead to a revival

“The new government policies are expected to lead to a revival of the manufacturing sector.”

verb + prep + noun

02. spark a revival

“The success of the local festival helped spark a revival of traditional crafts in the region.”

verb + noun

03. undergo a revival

“Vinyl records have undergone a massive revival among music enthusiasts in recent years.”

verb + noun

Adjective

04. dramatic revival

“The team's dramatic revival in the second half of the season surprised all the critics.”

adj + noun

05. economic revival

“The city is currently experiencing a significant economic revival thanks to the new tech hub.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. revival of fortunes

“The company's revival of fortunes began after they rebranded their flagship product.”

noun + of + noun

07. revival of interest

“There has been a sudden revival of interest in 19th-century literature among young readers.”

noun + of + noun

Real-World Examples

“He and Watkins met on the 2018 Broadway revival of the pre-Stonewall chamber-piece The Boys in the Band .”
The Guardian 13 Aug 2026
“The internal rifts threatened to distract the group while it was facing severe business headwinds including the revival of Air India , which it bought from the Indian government in 2022.”
BBC News 12 Aug 2026

Etymology

From revive + -al.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

revival(C1)

Domains

ChemistryLawReligionTelevision

This entry

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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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