renew English · revision 39920

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=a1382, Wycliffite Bible}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * UK: /ɹɪˈnjuː/^(Wiktionary)

+ * US: /ɹɪˈnju/, /ɹɪˈnu/^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[m|enm|renewen]],^(AHD 2024)^(Barnhart 1988)^(Dictionary.com 2016) formed [[af|en|re-|new]],^(OED 2026)^(Hoad 1986)^(MWU 2024) on the Middle English verb [[m|enm|newen]] "to resume, revive, renew",^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)^(AHD 2024) after [[la|renovō|t=to renew]] and [[xno|renuer]].^(OED 2026)^(SOED 2002)^(Weekley 1921) Etymonline calls it a Latin-Germanic hybrid.^(Etymonline) English earlier had [[m|enm|renovel]] in the same sense.^(OED 2026)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ To make something new or as good as new again, to restore to freshness or youth: before 1382, in the Wycliffite Bible,^(OED 2026)^(Barnhart 1988) which also has the senses "to restore a custom or state of things" and "to say again, repeat".^(OED 2026)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The Wycliffite translators also used the verb for spiritual rebirth, about 1384,^(OED 2026) and in the reflexive, to take on fresh life, before 1398.^(OED 2026) The sense "to resume an activity after a pause" dates from about 1387, in Trevisa,^(OED 2026) and "to begin again" without an object from 1520.^(OED 2026) To re-enact a law is recorded from about 1400, to reaffirm a promise or vow from before 1464, and to regain one's strength from 1481, in Caxton.^(OED 2026) Etymonline dates the sense "to be restored, flourish once more" to the early 15th century.^(Etymonline) Johnson (1755) defined it as "to renovate; to restore the former state", quoting Shakespeare's line "That did renew old Æson".^(Johnson 1755) Today it is used above all for extending the validity of a licence, lease or subscription and the loan of a library book.^(Collins 2023)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * a1382 – to make new again; to restore a custom; to repeat.^(OED 2026)

+ * c. 1384 – to cause to be spiritually reborn.^(OED 2026)

+ * a1387 – to resume an activity.^(OED 2026)

+ * c. 1400 – to re-enact a law.^(OED 2026)

+ * a1464 – to reaffirm a promise.^(OED 2026)

+ * 1481 – to regain one's strength.^(OED 2026)

+ * 1520 – to begin again.^(OED 2026)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Verb===

+ # To begin again or take up again after a break: ''The two sides renewed their talks in the spring.''^(Collins 2023)^(OED 2026)

+ # To say or [[promise]] again; to [[reaffirm]]: ''She renewed her offer of help.''^(Collins 2023)^(OED 2026)

+ # To extend the period for which a [[licence]], [[lease]], contract or subscription is valid; also to extend the loan of a library book.^(Collins 2023)^(MWU 2024)

+ # To make new or fresh again; to [[restore]] or [[revive]]: ''A week by the sea renewed his strength.''^(Collins 2023)^(MWU 2024)^(OED 2026)

+ # To replace something worn out or used up with a fresh supply.^(Collins 2023)

+ # To give new spiritual life to; to [[regenerate]].^(MWU 2024)^(OED 2026)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[renewer]]

+ * [[renewably]]

+ * [[renewable]]

+ * [[renewal]]

+ * [[self-renewing]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[new]]

+ * [[renovate]]

+ * [[novel]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}