rejuvenate
B2Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To make someone or something look or feel younger, fresher, or more lively again.
To restore vitality, energy, or a state of youthfulness to a person, system, or object. Can also refer to the process of renewing or revitalising an organisation, an area, or an idea.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word implies a positive transformation from a worn, tired, or old state to a refreshed one. It often carries a connotation of restoration to a previous, more desirable condition rather than simply improving something new.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical positive connotations of restoration and vitality.
Frequency
Equally common in both formal and semi-formal contexts in the UK and US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] rejuvenates [NP][NP] is rejuvenated[NP] feels rejuvenatedto rejuvenate [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A new lease of life (related concept)”
- “A shot in the arm (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe revitalising a company's strategy, brand, or workforce. E.g., 'The new CEO's plan is to rejuvenate our core product line.'
Academic
Used in social sciences, ecology, and medicine to discuss the renewal of systems, populations, or tissues.
Everyday
Commonly used regarding personal well-being, holidays, skincare, or home renovation. E.g., 'The weekend at the spa completely rejuvenated me.'
Technical
In medicine and biology, refers to cellular or tissue regeneration. In urban planning, refers to area renewal projects.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The holiday in the Lake District really rejuvenated her spirits.
- The council plans to rejuvenate the high street with new investment.
American English
- The team was rejuvenated after their winning streak.
- This new policy aims to rejuvenate the manufacturing sector.
adverb
British English
- The facial worked rejuvenatingly well on her skin.
American English
- The break acted rejuvenatingly on his creativity.
adjective
British English
- She looked wonderfully rejuvenated after her sabbatical.
- The treatment had a rejuvenating effect on the old leather.
American English
- He felt completely rejuvenated following the conference.
- They offer a range of rejuvenating spa therapies.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A good night's sleep can rejuvenate you.
- The rain rejuvenated the dry plants.
- They hope the new park will rejuvenate the neighbourhood.
- I feel rejuvenated after my summer holiday.
- The company launched a bold marketing campaign to rejuvenate its brand image.
- Ancient cultures had rituals intended to rejuvenate the king's power.
- The discovery of a new funding stream served to rejuvenate the flagging research project.
- Critics argue that the proposed reforms do little to rejuvenate the sclerotic political system.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Juven' from 'juvenile' (meaning young) + the prefix 're-' (meaning again). So, 'rejuvenate' means to make young again.
Conceptual Metaphor
YOUTH IS VITALITY / AGEING IS DETERIORATION. The process of rejuvenation is conceptualised as a reversal of the metaphorical journey of ageing and decline.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'омолодить' in purely biological/age contexts; 'rejuvenate' is broader (systems, moods).
- Avoid direct translation for 'восстанавливать' when it means 'repair' a broken object; 'rejuvenate' implies adding new life, not just fixing.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'rejuvinate' (incorrect) instead of 'rejuvenate' (correct).
- Using it for inanimate objects that cannot possess vitality (e.g., 'rejuvenate the broken clock' is odd).
- Confusing with 'renovate' (which is more about physical structures).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'rejuvenate'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can be used for objects, systems, and abstract concepts (e.g., economy, brand, neighbourhood), implying they are given new energy and life.
'Renovate' primarily refers to restoring a building or structure to a good state of repair. 'Rejuvenate' is broader, focusing on restoring vitality, energy, or youthful qualities, which can apply to people, systems, or appearances.
It is neutral to formal. It is perfectly acceptable in everyday speech (e.g., 'I need a holiday to rejuvenate'), but it is also common in business, academic, and technical writing.
The main noun forms are 'rejuvenation' (the process) and, less commonly, 'rejuvenator' (a person or thing that rejuvenates).
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