renovate

renovate — verb

1. to repair an old building, room, or piece of furniture, making it look newer and

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to repair an old building, room, or piece of furniture, making it look newer and function properly

例句

Theo spent the summer renovating his grandmother's cottage in the countryside.

spend + time + renovating [building]

The old factory was renovated into a modern art gallery with open spaces.

同義詞
  • refurbish

    lighter in scale than renovate; focuses on cleaning, painting, and refreshing

  • restore

    aims to return something to its original condition, whereas renovate may include modern improvements

  • remodel

    changes the structure or layout of a space; renovate may keep the same layout

  • redecorate

    only changes the appearance through paint, wallpaper, or furniture; renovate includes structural repairs

反義詞
  • neglect

    failing to maintain a building or object

  • damage

    to harm or worsen the condition of something

文法句型

renovate + noun phrase (building, room, furniture)

spend + time/period + renovating + noun phrase

用法筆記

Object is usually a building, a room inside a house, or a piece of furniture. Implies significant work, not just cleaning or small fixes.

常見錯誤

❌She renovated her passport before the trip.
✅She renewed her passport before the trip.
💡renovate applies to physical spaces and objects, not documents or licenses.
❌He renovated the broken lamp by changing the bulb.
✅He repaired the broken lamp by changing the bulb.
💡renovate implies a major restoration, not a simple fix.

2. to give new strength, energy, or enthusiasm to someone or something that has gro

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to give new strength, energy, or enthusiasm to someone or something that has grown tired, weak, or inactive

例句

A long walk through the forest renovated Dario's mind after weeks of work.

figurative use: [activity] renovates [mental state]

The new director's fresh ideas renovated the company's tired brand image.

同義詞
  • revive

    more common than renovate in figurative use; broader application to economies, traditions, relationships

  • rejuvenate

    suggests making something feel young or youthful again

  • revitalize

    the most natural choice for abstract concepts like institutions, communities, or spirit

  • reinvigorate

    focuses on restoring physical or mental energy specifically

反義詞
  • exhaust

    to drain energy or strength from someone

  • weaken

    to make something less strong or effective

文法句型

[something] renovates + noun phrase (spirit, energy, enthusiasm)

用法筆記

This figurative sense is more literary or formal than sense 1. The subject is typically an experience (a walk, a speech, a change of scenery) rather than a person.

常見錯誤

❌The government renovated the economy.
✅The government revitalized the economy.
💡renovate sounds unnatural with broad abstract nouns like 'economy'; revitalize or revive is preferred.
❌Reading books renovates my knowledge.
✅Reading books refreshes my knowledge.
💡renovate does not naturally pair with 'knowledge'; use refresh, renew, or update.