renaissances
|re-nais-sance|
/rɪˈneɪsəns/
(renaissance)
revival or rebirth
Etymology
'renaissance' originates from French, specifically the word 'renaissance', where 're-' meant 'again' and 'naissance' meant 'birth'.
'renaissance' was borrowed into English from French 'renaissance' (itself from Old French roots) and came to be used in English to denote both the historical period and the general idea of 'rebirth'.
Initially, it meant 'rebirth' or 'being born again' in a literal or figurative sense, and over time it became the name for the European cultural revival and for instances of cultural or intellectual renewal.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'renaissance' referring to distinct historical periods or regional revivals of art, learning, and culture (e.g., multiple renaissances in different countries or eras).
Scholars study renaissances across Europe to compare how different regions adopted classical ideas.
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Noun 2
plural of 'renaissance' used more generally to mean multiple instances of revival or renewed interest (e.g., renaissances in science, music, or urban life).
The city experienced several renaissances during the 20th century, each driven by different industries.
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Last updated: 2025/10/02 05:42