Renovation

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ɹɛnəˈveɪʃən/

Definitions

1. The process of improving or restoring a building or structure to a better condition through repairs and updates
2. The act of making significant improvements to a property or physical structure through restoration and modern upgrades
3. The activity of upgrading or restoring a physical space by addressing its condition and enhancing its features

Etymology: Latin "novus" meant "new," and the verb "renovare" built on it with the prefix "re-" to mean "make new again." English "renovation" traces through Middle French "renovation" to the Latin noun "renovatio," the act of renewing. Its earliest English form, "renovacion," appears in Middle English, so the word has been in the language for centuries, long before anyone was refurbishing a kitchen. The English word is formed from "renovate" plus the suffix "-ion," which turns a verb into a noun naming the act or result. The Latin noun "renovatio" had the same job, so the English word simply inherited that pattern through French.

Synonyms: restoration, remodeling, refurbishment, revamp, revitalization

Antonyms: deterioration, neglect, degradation, damage, destruction