renewal
UK[rɪˈnjuːəl]US[rɪˈnuːəl]
n
the act of making something valid, fresh, or effective again
n
the process of something being replaced, revived, or repeated
Morpheme Breakdown
re
new
al
re
again
new
fresh
al
noun suffix
Etymology
the word "renewal" is a layered english construction. its core, "new," stems from the proto-germanic newjaz, meaning "new," which itself descends from the proto-indo-european néwos. the latin prefix "re-," meaning "again," was attached to the verb "renew," which was formed from the adjective "new." finally, the noun-forming suffix "-al," of latin origin via old french, was added to create an abstract noun denoting the action or process. thus, the literal morphemic logic of "making fresh again" evolved seamlessly into the modern abstract meanings of restoration, replacement, or recommencement.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + new (fresh) + al (noun suffix)
- re: latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back"
- new: old english origin, from the adjective meaning "recently made, fresh, not existing before"
- al: latin origin, a suffix forming nouns of action from verbs
Examples
the library requires the annual renewal of membership cards.
the contract is up for renewal next month.
spring is a time of renewal and growth in nature.