renaissance revival: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, academic, artistic
Quick answer
What does “renaissance revival” mean?
A renewed interest in or return to the styles, principles, or activities of the Renaissance period (14th–17th centuries).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A renewed interest in or return to the styles, principles, or activities of the Renaissance period (14th–17th centuries).
Any revival or resurgence of interest in a past cultural, artistic, or intellectual movement; specifically, in architecture, a 19th-century style that consciously reused Renaissance forms and ornamentation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The architectural style is recognised under the same name in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries connotations of cultural sophistication, historical reverence, and intellectual or artistic renewal.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American academic writing on architectural history, but overall a low-frequency term in both.
Grammar
How to Use “renaissance revival” in a Sentence
[Subject] + undergo/experience + a renaissance revival[Renaissance Revival] + noun (e.g., architecture, movement)the revival of + [Renaissance ideals/arts]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “renaissance revival” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The building is a fine example of Renaissance Revival architecture.
American English
- They live in a Renaissance Revival mansion on the East Coast.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used metaphorically, e.g., 'The company hopes for a renaissance revival in its core markets.'
Academic
Common in art history, architecture, and cultural studies to describe historical movements and stylistic periods.
Everyday
Very rare; used loosely to describe a comeback of something old-fashioned, e.g., 'There's a renaissance revival in board games.'
Technical
Specific term in architectural history for the Renaissance Revival style (c. 1840–1890).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “renaissance revival”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “renaissance revival”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “renaissance revival”
- Misspelling as 'rennaisance revival' or 'rennaissance revival'.
- Incorrect capitalisation: using 'Renaissance Revival' only when referring to the specific architectural style is preferred.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The 'Renaissance' refers to the original historical period (14th–17th centuries). 'Renaissance Revival' refers to a later period (mainly 19th century) that imitated the style of the original Renaissance.
Yes, metaphorically. For example, one might speak of a 'renaissance revival' in craft beer or analogue photography to indicate a renewed popularity.
In British English, it's often /rɪˈneɪsəns/ (ri-NAY-suhns). In American English, it's commonly /ˈrɛnəˌsɑns/ (REN-uh-sahns).
It is conventionally capitalised when referring specifically to the historical architectural style (Renaissance Revival). When used generically for any revival of Renaissance characteristics, lower case is acceptable.
A renewed interest in or return to the styles, principles, or activities of the Renaissance period (14th–17th centuries).
Renaissance revival is usually formal, academic, artistic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A renaissance revival is sweeping the industry.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: RENAISSANCE means 'rebirth', and REVIVAL means 'coming back to life'. So, a rebirth coming back to life!
Conceptual Metaphor
CULTURAL HISTORY IS A CIRCLE / REBIRTH IS AWAKENING
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'Renaissance Revival' a specific technical term?