C1verb2K

Renew

UK /["/rɪˈnjuː/","/rɪˈnjuːz/","/rɪˈnjuːd/","/rɪˈnjuːɪŋ/"]/US /["/rɪˈnuː/","/rɪˈnuːz/","/rɪˈnuːd/","/rɪˈnuːɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to begin something again after it stopped or was interrupted

In simple words: To make something new again or to extend its time.

Examples

  • I need to renew my passport before our trip next month.
  • The library allows you to renew books online for an extra two weeks.
  • The government decided to renew the contract with the construction company.
  • After a good night's sleep, she felt renewed and ready to tackle the day.
  • The conference helped renew interest in climate change initiatives.
  • They plan to renew the old park to make it more appealing to visitors.
  • You must renew your subscription before it expires to avoid interruption.

Usage notes

Use 'renew' when talking about extending subscriptions or refreshing items. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid slang settings.

Grammar pattern

renew + object

Memory hint

Think of 'renew' like a new beginning — imagine a plant being watered to grow again.

Collocations

  • completely
  • annually
  • periodically
  • decide to
  • agree to
  • refuse to
  • a chance to renew something
  • an opportunity to renew something
  • need renewing
  • completely
  • annually
  • periodically
  • decide to
  • agree to
  • refuse to
  • a chance to renew something
  • an opportunity to renew something
  • need renewing
  • completely
  • annually
  • periodically
  • decide to
  • agree to
  • refuse to
  • a chance to renew something
  • an opportunity to renew something
  • need renewing

Synonyms

  • reiterate, repeat

Antonyms

  • expire
  • terminate
  • dissolve

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'renewable' which refers to something that can be renewed, not the action.
  • Omitting the object, e.g. saying 'I will renew' without specifying what.