The word renaissance literally means “rebirth” in French, and it is most often used to describe a powerful revival or renewed interest in art, culture, ideas, or a specific field.

Basic meaning

  • Renaissance comes from French and directly translates as “rebirth,” referring to something coming to life again after a period of decline or quiet.
  • In modern English, it can describe any period of new growth or excitement in an area, such as a “renaissance in science” or a “city’s cultural renaissance.”

Historical sense

  • Historically, the Renaissance names the era in European history (about the 14th–17th centuries) when there was a major revival of classical learning, art, and science after the Middle Ages.
  • This period is known for renewed interest in ancient Greek and Roman ideas and for breakthroughs in painting, architecture, literature, and scientific thinking.

How it’s used today

  • People now use renaissance more broadly for any strong comeback or flourishing period, like the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s or a “Renaissance” in a musician’s career.
  • It can also describe a “renaissance person” (or “Renaissance man/woman”) meaning someone with wide-ranging talents and knowledge in many fields, echoing the ideal of multi-skilled figures from the historical Renaissance.

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