renewal

Everyday

1. Making something new, fresh or strong again. tree →
2. Making an agreement, ticket or membership last longer: «library book renewal». tree →
3. (church) Spiritual renewal: Christians believe God renews people's hearts. tree →
4. Rebuilding and improving old parts of a town (urban renewal). tree →

In the lessons

Everyday: renewal of library books, passports, memberships. In science, spring renewal in nature. In church, «renewal of baptismal vows». Phrases: «up for renewal», «urban renewal», «a sense of renewal».

Examples

• My library books are due for renewal. tree →
• Mum sent off the passport renewal form. tree →
• Spring brings renewal to the garden. tree →
• The town centre is going through renewal. tree →
• At Easter, Christians speak of new life and renewal. tree →
• Our club membership is up for renewal next month. tree →

Note

Verb «renew». Countable when talking about one act (a renewal); uncountable for the general idea.

In Jewish tradition

New strength given after weariness, as in Isaiah's picture of a tired people.

Interpretation. Tradition reads this as God's gift of fresh strength to Israel in exile, and renewal is a major theme of the prophets' comfort.

Examples

• Thou wast wearied with the length of thy way; yet saidst thou not: 'There is no hope'; thou didst find a renewal of thy strength, therefore thou wast not affected. (Prophets ISA.57.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Verb «renew». Countable when talking about one act (a renewal); uncountable for the general idea.