renovation
UK[ˌrɛnəˈveɪʃn]US[ˌrɛnəˈveɪʃn]
n
The process of repairing and improving a building so that it is in good condition again.
n
The act of making something old look new again by repairing and improving it.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
nov
ation
re
again
nov
new
ation
action or process
Etymology
The word 'renovation' has a clear and logical construction from its Latin components. It originates from the Latin verb renovare, which is a compound of the prefix re- ("again") and the verb novare ("to make new"), itself derived from novus ("new"). The literal meaning, "to make new again," perfectly captures the core concept of the action. This Latin term passed into Middle English via Old French, retaining its essential meaning. The modern abstract sense—the process of restoring something to a good state or updating it—remains directly faithful to this etymological logic of repeated renewal.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + nov (new) + ation (action or process)
- re: A Latin prefix meaning "again" or "back."
- nov: From the Latin root novus, meaning "new."
- ation: A suffix of Latin origin (-ationem) used to form nouns indicating an action or process.
Examples
The old house is in desperate need of renovation.
The museum will be closed for six months during its major renovation.
The renovation of the public park has made it a popular community space.