renewable
rih-NOO-uh-bul
/rɪˈnjuː.ə.bəl/
Capable of being replenished naturally at a rate equal to or faster than its consumption.
Refers to infinite natural energy sources like wind and solar, contrasting with finite fossil fuels.
The story behind the word. Combines Latin 're-' (again) with Old English 'niwe' (new) and the suffix '-able'. The term shifted from describing contractual agreements that could be renewed to describing self-replenishing natural energy sources during the 1970s energy crisis.
Word relationships
- replenishable: Replenishable emphasizes the ability to top up a store, while renewable implies natural self-restoration.
- sustainable: Sustainable covers broader systemic health, whereas renewable specifically refers to resource regeneration.
- nonrenewable: Nonrenewable resources exist in finite amounts and exhaust upon use.
- finite: Finite resources are limited in supply.
Commonly confused with
- reusable: Reusable means using the same item multiple times, whereas renewable means nature regenerates the supply.
Word family
- renewably (adverb): In a renewable manner.
- renewability (noun): The state of being renewable.
Collocations
- renewable energy
- renewable resources
- renewable power
- 100% renewable
Idioms & expressions
- renewable future
Example sentences
- "Wind and solar power are primary sources of renewable energy that do not deplete earth's natural reserves." Clean energy sector
- "Timber can be a renewable building resource if harvested from responsibly managed forests." Resource management
Memory hook
RE-NEW-ABLE = ABLE to become NEW again. Nature makes it new again.
When not to use
Do not use to describe recycled materials that eventually degrade; renewable applies to naturally recurring energy or resources.
Fun facts
- Iceland generates nearly 100% of its electricity from renewable geothermal and hydroelectric sources.
Related words
Explore more words
Renewable Energy, regenerative, restorative, biodegradable, abundance, overconsumption
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