renew

/rɪˈnjuː/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪˈnuː/ (ame, ipa) · /ri-ˈnü -ˈnyü/ (ame, mw)

renew — verb

  • renewpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • renewshe / she / it
  • renewedpast simple
  • renewing-ing form

1. to make a document, contract, membership, or other agreement continue to stay le

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to make a document, contract, membership, or other agreement continue to stay legally valid — for example, renewing a passport before a trip or renewing a lease on an apartment; also used when replacing old or worn-out parts to bring something back to good condition.

例句

Padma renewed her passport online before the summer trip to Japan.

renew + passport (document renewal)

Kenji renewed his library books from his phone to avoid late fees.

renew + library book (borrowed item)

同義詞
  • extend

    Focuses on lengthening the time period rather than re-validating. You extend a deadline but renew a passport.

  • replace

    Used for putting something new in place of something old or broken, without the idea of official re-validation.

  • restore

    Brings something back to its original condition, often through repair work, not administrative re-validation.

反義詞
  • cancel

    To stop a contract, subscription, or agreement from continuing.

  • expire

    Intransitive — the document or agreement comes to the end of its validity naturally.

文法句型

renew + noun phrase (document, contract, membership)

renew + noun phrase for + duration

用法筆記

Common objects include documents (passport, visa, license), contracts (lease, insurance), and memberships (library, gym). When used for replacing old parts, the passive voice is common (e.g. 'the brakes need to be renewed').

常見錯誤

I renewed my driver license yesterday.
I renewed my driver's license yesterday.
💡The possessive form 'driver's' is standard in British English; American English uses 'driver license' without the possessive, but 'driver's license' is widely understood everywhere.
I need to renew the deadline for my project.
I need to extend the deadline for my project.
💡'Renew' applies to things that expire and must be re-validated (a passport, a visa); 'extend' applies to pushing a time limit further out.

2. to start doing something again after a pause or interruption, often with fresh e

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to start doing something again after a pause or interruption, often with fresh energy — for example, renewing a search for survivors after a disaster, renewing a friendship by getting back in touch, or renewing a commitment to a goal.

例句

After the earthquake, rescue teams renewed their search for survivors beneath the rubble.

renew + search (effort after interruption)

Talia renewed her friendship with an old classmate she met at a conference in Berlin.

renew + friendship (relationship)

同義詞
  • resume

    Slightly more formal; focuses on continuing after an interruption. You resume a meeting after a break.

  • reopen

    Used for investigations, debates, or cases that were closed. More specific than renew.

  • reiterate

    Means to say something again, often a position or demand. Narrower in scope than renew.

  • recommence

    Very formal synonym for 'begin again,' used in official or academic writing.

反義詞
  • abandon

    To give up an effort, search, or attempt entirely.

  • discontinue

    To stop doing something, often permanently, especially in official contexts.

文法句型

renew + noun phrase (effort, search, promise, friendship)

renew + noun phrase (attack, debate) — often in news contexts

用法筆記

More formal than 'start again' or 'pick up again.' Common in news reports (renewed fighting, renewed attacks) and in contexts of personal relationships or commitments. The object is almost always an abstract noun — you cannot renew a person, only a relationship or connection with them.

常見錯誤

I renewed playing piano after ten years.
I renewed my efforts to play piano after ten years.' or 'I started playing piano again after ten years.
💡'Renew' takes a noun phrase object, not a gerund. You renew an effort, not the activity directly.
We renewed our friendship with them after twenty years and they were happy.
We renewed our friendship with them after twenty years, and they were delighted.
💡Stronger emotion verb ('delighted') is more natural when describing a happy reunion.