retrofit
RET-roh-fit
/ˈrɛtrəʊfɪt/
To add a component or accessory to something that did not have it when it was manufactured; to provide with new parts that were not available at the time of manufacture.
In infrastructure, it usually refers to strengthening old buildings against earthquakes or making them energy-efficient.
The story behind the word. A relatively modern word, appearing in the 1940s. It combines 'retro' (looking back) with 'fit,' describing the act of fitting new technology into an older context.
Word relationships
- upgrade: Upgrade is general; retrofit specifically implies adding new tech to an old frame.
Commonly confused with
- renovate: Renovate means to make look new; retrofit means to make function better with new parts.
Word family
- retrofitting (noun): The process of adding new components to an existing structure.
Collocations
- seismic retrofit
- energy retrofit
- retrofit a building
Example sentences
- "The city mandated that all older brick buildings be retrofitted with steel braces." Seismic Engineering
- "We can retrofit old homes with better insulation to save on heating costs." Sustainability
Memory hook
You go 'retro' (back in time) to 'fit' something new into an old building. New tech in old shells.
When not to use
Don't use for simple repairs; it implies adding something new or modernizing.
Fun facts
- Retrofitting is often more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than tearing down a building and starting over.
Related words
Explore more words
modernize, trade-off, renovation, upcycle, reinforced, reform
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