revival of learning: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to Medium (primarily used in historical, literary, and academic contexts)Formal, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “revival of learning” mean?
The renewed interest in and study of classical literature, art, and humanistic principles, especially referring to the Renaissance period in Europe.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The renewed interest in and study of classical literature, art, and humanistic principles, especially referring to the Renaissance period in Europe.
Any period of renewed intellectual or cultural activity, often following a time of decline or stagnation; a rebirth of scholarship and artistic endeavor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally used in academic and historical writing in both varieties. The related term 'Renaissance' is more common in general usage.
Connotations
Scholarly, historical, somewhat antiquated. Connotes a deliberate and collective intellectual movement rather than a spontaneous change.
Frequency
Used with similar low frequency in both UK and US academic English.
Grammar
How to Use “revival of learning” in a Sentence
The [Adjective] Revival of Learning in [Place/Time][Event/Person] fostered a Revival of LearningVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “revival of learning” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Revival of Learning in 15th-century Florence was fuelled by wealthy patrons.
- Historians mark the beginning of the Revival of Learning with the fall of Constantinople.
American English
- The Revival of Learning fundamentally changed Western philosophy and art.
- This period is often called the Revival of Learning or the Renaissance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically to describe a company reinvesting in research and development or employee training after a period of neglect.
Academic
Primary context. Used in history, literature, and art history courses to describe the Renaissance.
Everyday
Very rare. Would be understood but sounds formal or bookish.
Technical
Used as a standard term in historical periodization.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “revival of learning”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “revival of learning”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “revival of learning”
- Using it to refer to a single person studying again (e.g., 'my revival of learning Spanish' – incorrect). It refers to a broad cultural movement. Confusing it with 'revival meeting' (a religious event).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. 'Revival of Learning' is one name for the Renaissance, specifically emphasizing the renewed study of classical antiquity. 'Renaissance' is a broader term that also includes the artistic and cultural achievements of the period.
Yes, but it's metaphorical and formal. You might say, 'The new funding has caused a revival of learning in the department,' meaning a renewed spirit of scholarship. For an individual, use 'renewed interest in learning.'
The Revival of Learning (Renaissance, ~14th-17th centuries) focused on rediscovering classical humanist texts. The Enlightenment (~18th century) focused on reason, science, and individual rights, building upon but moving beyond the Renaissance foundation.
When referring specifically to the historical period (the European Renaissance), it is often capitalized as 'the Revival of Learning.' When used in a general or metaphorical sense, lowercase is acceptable.
The renewed interest in and study of classical literature, art, and humanistic principles, especially referring to the Renaissance period in Europe.
Revival of learning is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Revival of learning: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈvaɪvəl əv ˈlɜːnɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈvaɪvəl əv ˈlɜːrnɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A revival of learning swept through the universities.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a plant (learning) that has wilted (been neglected) being 'revived' with water (renewed study and interest).
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A LIVING ENTITY (that can be sick/dormant and then revived/awakened).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a direct synonym for 'Revival of Learning' in its primary historical sense?