renaissance

Everyday

1. The Renaissance was a time in Europe, from about the 1300s to the 1600s, when art, science and learning grew greatly, starting in Italy. tree →
2. A renaissance is a new burst of interest or energy in something, a rebirth. tree →

In the lessons

In history and art lessons the Renaissance brings names like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Galileo; artists studied the human body, used perspective, and scholars read old Greek and Roman books again. The printing press spread ideas. In everyday life a town or a hobby can have a renaissance when it becomes popular again. A Renaissance man or woman is someone good at many things.

Examples

• Leonardo da Vinci was a famous painter of the Renaissance. tree →
• During the Renaissance, artists learned to draw with perspective. tree →
• The Renaissance began in Italy, in cities such as Florence. tree →
• Board games are having a renaissance. tree →
• Our old town centre has enjoyed a renaissance with new shops. tree →
• She is a real Renaissance woman: she paints, codes and plays the violin. tree →

Note

The word comes from French and means rebirth. When it names the historical period it has a capital R and the: the Renaissance. Spelling trap: double n and double s, renaissance. Usually said ren-AY-sunss (UK) or REN-uh-sahnss (US).