renaissance

renaissance — noun

1. the period in European history from roughly the 1300s through the 1600s when cla

1.nounB1
Definition

the period in European history from roughly the 1300s through the 1600s when classical Greek and Roman learning was rediscovered and had a profound impact on painting, sculpture, architecture, science, music, and philosophy

Example

The Renaissance began in Italy during the 14th century and later spread across Europe.

Zuri's art history course focuses on the painters and sculptors of the Renaissance.

pattern: of the Renaissance

Common collocations
  • the Renaissance
  • during the Renaissance
  • Renaissance art
  • Renaissance Italy
  • early Renaissance
  • High Renaissance
  • the Italian Renaissance
Antonyms
  • Middle Ages

    the period that preceded the Renaissance; often contrasted with it

Grammar Patterns

the Renaissance

during the Renaissance

Renaissance + noun

Usage Note

Always capitalised and takes the definite article: the Renaissance. This sense names a specific historical period — do not confuse with sense 2 (REVIVAL), which describes any renewed popularity of a subject. The Renaissance is typically dated from the 1300s through the 1600s, with its peak in the 1400s and 1500s.

Common Mistakes

The renaissance was a time of great art in Europe.
The Renaissance was a time of great art in Europe.
When referring to the historical period, the word must always begin with a capital R.
The Renaissance of hip-hop in the 1990s changed music.
The revival of hip-hop in the 1990s changed music.
The historical period sense only refers to the European Renaissance; use the lowercase sense 1 for other revivals.

2. a renewed period of popularity and energy for something that had become less pop

2.nounB2
Definition

a renewed period of popularity and energy for something that had become less popular or inactive, especially in areas such as art, music, literature, or culture

Example

Kian's hometown theatre scene is enjoying a renaissance, with local playwrights drawing new audiences.

collocation: enjoying a renaissance

Vinyl records have seen a remarkable renaissance among young music fans in recent years.

collocation: seen a renaissance

Common collocations
  • a renaissance in [field]
  • a renaissance of [practice/art]
  • cultural renaissance
  • economic renaissance
  • experience a renaissance
  • undergo a renaissance
  • enjoy a renaissance
Synonyms
  • revival

    more general; can apply to health, economy, or religion, not limited to arts or culture

  • resurgence

    emphasises a strong, sudden return after a period of decline

  • rebirth

    more poetic or spiritual; suggests complete renewal rather than renewed interest

Antonyms
  • decline

    the opposite movement — falling out of popularity or activity

  • dormancy

    a period of inactivity that precedes a possible revival

Grammar Patterns

a renaissance of/in [something]

undergo/experience a renaissance

Usage Note

Often written in lowercase (renaissance). Frequently used with an indefinite article: a renaissance in jazz music. Distinguish from sense 1 (HISTORICAL PERIOD), which refers to a specific era in European history rather than any general revival.

Common Mistakes

Smartphones caused a renaissance of mobile communication.
Smartphones caused a revolution in mobile communication.
A renaissance implies something that once existed, declined, and returned; smartphones were a new invention, not a revival.
The country experienced a renaissance of economic growth for the first time.
The country experienced a surge of economic growth for the first time.
Renaissance refers to a return of something that had been present before; it does not describe a first occurrence.

renaissance — adjective

Word family

  • renascent
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

All three words describe something returning after a decline, but they differ in scope and connotation. Revival is the broadest and most neutral — it can apply to anything from a dying language to an old fashion trend: 'a revival of traditional cooking methods.' Resurgence suggests a stronger, more forceful return after a significant drop, often with an undertone of power or influence: 'a resurgence of nationalist politics.' Rebirth carries a more poetic or spiritual feel, implying complete renewal or transformation rather than just renewed interest: 'the rebirth of a demolished neighbourhood.' Renaissance sits closest to revival but is more culturally loaded — it implies a flourishing in arts, ideas, or creativity specifically, not just any return. Use renaissance when the focus is on cultural or intellectual activity; use revival for anything else that comes back into use or popularity.

revival ↗resurgencerebirth ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • the Renaissance period
  • the Italian Renaissance
  • a cultural renaissance
  • Renaissance art and architecture

Prepositions

  • in the Renaissance
  • of the Renaissance
  • during the Renaissance
  • renaissance in [field]
  • renaissance of [practice]

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word comes from French 'renaissance', meaning 'rebirth', formed from re- ('again') and naissance ('birth'). The French word traces back to Latin renascentia, from re- + nasci ('to be born'). It entered English in the 19th century as a label for the historical period of cultural revival in Europe. The general sense of 'any revival' developed from this historical use.