renovation

/rɛnəˈveɪʃɪn/

/rɛnəˈveɪʃən/

Other forms: renovations

Renovation is the act of renewing or restoring something. If your kitchen is undergoing a renovation, there’s probably plaster and paint all over the place and you should probably get take-out.

The roots of renovation refer to newness and doing something again — it’s from the Latin re- for "again" and novare which means, "make new.” A rundown building is in need of renovation, or a website that's being redesigned is under renovation. After renovation, things look new and improved. Before the word underwent renovation, in the early 15th century, renovacyoun meant "spiritual rebirth,” which is how you might feel after your kitchen is redone.

Definitions of renovation

1. noun

   the act of improving by renewing and restoring
   “they are pursuing a general program of renovation to the entire property”

   synonyms: overhaul, redevelopment

   types:

   face lift, face lifting, facelift

   a renovation that improves the outward appearance (as of a building) but usually does not involve major changes

   type of:

   improvement

   the act of improving something
2. noun

   the state of being restored to its former good condition
   “the inn was a renovation of a Colonial house”

   synonyms: refurbishment, restoration

   type of:

   improvement, melioration

   a condition superior to an earlier condition