reˈnewal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “reˈnewal” mean?
The act of making something new again.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of making something new again; the process of being renewed.
A process of revival, revitalization, or the extension of a period of validity. Can refer to personal, spiritual, urban, or institutional revitalization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling differences follow regional norms (e.g., 'renewal' vs. *'renewel'). Usage is largely identical. In urban planning, 'urban renewal' is common in both, but 'regeneration' is a strong UK synonym.
Connotations
In UK academic/policy contexts, 'regeneration' may be preferred for large-scale projects. In US contexts, 'renewal' is slightly more common in corporate/contract language.
Frequency
More frequent in written and formal contexts in both varieties. Similar frequency overall.
Grammar
How to Use “reˈnewal” in a Sentence
renewal of [NOUN PHRASE] (e.g., renewal of the contract)[ADJECTIVE] renewal (e.g., annual renewal)undergo a renewalseek renewalVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reˈnewal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We must renew our road tax online.
- They decided to renew their wedding vows in a small ceremony.
American English
- We need to renew our license plates at the DMV.
- The network chose to renew the show for another season.
adjective
British English
- The renewal date is printed on your membership card.
- We received a renewal reminder in the post.
American English
- The renewal fee is due by the end of the month.
- Check your renewal options in your account settings.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to the extension of a contract, licence, or subscription (e.g., 'The software licence is up for renewal').
Academic
In sociology/history, describes cultural or intellectual revivals (e.g., 'the renewal of classical learning during the Renaissance').
Everyday
Common in contexts of memberships, passports, library books, and personal resolutions (e.g., 'spring brings a feeling of renewal').
Technical
In theology: spiritual renewal; in urban planning: urban renewal; in ecology: forest renewal.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reˈnewal”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reˈnewal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reˈnewal”
- Confusing 'renewal' (noun) with 'renew' (verb). Incorrect: 'I need to do a renew of my passport.' Correct: 'I need a renewal of my passport.' or 'I need to renew my passport.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While common for contracts and licences, it is widely used for abstract concepts like personal, spiritual, or seasonal renewal.
'Renewal' is broader and can be abstract. 'Renovation' is specifically about repairing and updating a physical structure (e.g., a building).
Typically, it has a positive or neutral connotation. A negative context might involve an unwanted or costly automatic renewal of a subscription.
'Renew' is a verb (action): 'I will renew my passport.' 'Renewal' is a noun (the thing/process): 'The passport renewal took two weeks.'
The act of making something new again.
Reˈnewal is usually formal to neutral in register.
Reˈnewal: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈnjuːəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈnuːəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A new lease of life (related concept)”
- “Turn over a new leaf (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE + NEW + AL. It's the action (-AL) of making something RE-NEW again.
Conceptual Metaphor
RENEWAL IS A CLEAN SLATE / RENEWAL IS CYCLICAL (like seasons) / RENEWAL IS REBIRTH.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'renewal' LEAST likely to be used?