What Is the Difference Between renovate, renew, and restore?
Renovate, renew, restore, refresh, and rejuvenate all mean to make like new. Renovate (a word ultimately derived from the Latin verb novare, meaning "to make new," itself a descendant of novus, meaning "new") 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").
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 implies a return to an original state after depletion or loss.
restored a fine piece of furniture
refresh implies the supplying of something necessary to restore lost strength, animation, or power.
a refreshing drink
renovate suggests a renewing by cleansing, repairing, or rebuilding.
the apartment has been entirely renovated
rejuvenate suggests the restoration of youthful vigor, powers, or appearance.
the change in jobs rejuvenated her spirits
Example Sentences
It's an old factory that has been renovated as office space. We renovated the kitchen three years ago.
Recent Examples on the WebThe buyer plans to renovate the property for a new child care and early learning center to be operated by Tashawna Green. Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 6 July 2022 There are also caveats around such ‘too-good-to-be-true’ deals: The potential buyers must agree to renovate the property within a certain time, usually three years, and live there. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 15 Apr. 2022 The building is named for Barker, who donated $2.5 million to PETA to purchase and renovate the property.CNN, 25 Nov. 2021 In addition, the company planned to spend $800,000 to renovate the property before occupying it. Patrick Danner, San Antonio Express-News, 27 Oct. 2021 The city is spending upwards of $8 million to renovate the entire property, including the tennis courts and clubhouse, Ahnell said. Wells Dusenbury, sun-sentinel.com, 19 Sep. 2021 The firm aims to renovate the property with an eye toward celebrating, and building upon, its rich history. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2021 Adele purchased a new home in May—which, Elle adds, was formerly owned by Sylvester Stallone—with plans to renovate it to accommodate her blended family with Paul, who has three children. Carrie Wittmer, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2022 The owner of the building, Cohen says, is planning to renovate it soon. Tim Carman, Washington Post, 11 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Latin renovatus, past participle of renovare, from re- + novare to make new, from novus new — more at new