rejuvenate
Meaning
to make someone look or feel young and strong again
to make an organization or system more effective by introducing new methods, ideas, or people
Structure
Usage
the spa treatment was designed to rejuvenate tired skin.
they hope the new investment will rejuvenate the city's economy.
a good night's sleep can rejuvenate both mind and body.
Etymology
the word "rejuvenate" is a modern english formation built directly from latin components. it combines the prefix "re-", signifying repetition or restoration, with the root "juven-", derived from the latin juvenis for "young". the suffix "-ate" is a common verb-forming element in english, borrowed from latin participles. thus, the literal construction means "to make young again," a meaning that has evolved from its physical sense of restoring youthfulness to also encompass revitalizing systems or institutions. this logical progression from a concrete, biological concept to a more abstract, metaphorical one is characteristic of many latinate words in english.
Analysis
- re: from latin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back". - juven: from latin juvenis, meaning "young". - ate: from latin -atus, a suffix used to form verbs meaning "to make" or "to become".