Merriam-Webster Online

Merriam-Webster Online: "October 21, 2010
Word of the Day

* renovate
* audio pronunciation
* \REN-uh-vayt\

* DEFINITION
verb
1: to restore to a former better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or rebuilding)
2: to restore to life, vigor, or activity : revive

* EXAMPLES
Mom renovated the kitchen three years ago, and is now planning to buy all new furniture for the living room.

'Last year, the city approved a $2.8 million plan to renovate the theater portion of the building and reopen it as a public venue under the control of the parks department.' -- From an article by Elizabeth Donald in the Belleville News-Democrat (Illinois), September 15, 2010

* DID YOU KNOW?
'Renovate,' 'renew,' 'restore,' 'refresh,' and 'rejuvenate' all mean to make like new. 'Renovate' suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding. 'Renew' implies a restoration of what had become faded or disintegrated so that it seems like new ('efforts to renew the splendor of the old castle'). 'Restore' suggests a return to an original state after depletion or loss ('restored a piece of furniture'). 'Refresh' implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power ('a refreshing drink'). 'Rejuvenate' suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance ('she was rejuvenated by her new job'). 'Renovate' has 'newness' in its origins: it ultimately derives from the Latin verb 'novare,' meaning 'to make new,' itself a descendant of 'novus,' meaning 'new.'

Quick Quiz: What relative of 'renovate' means 'to do something in a new way.' The answer is ...

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