revitalize
ree-VY-tuh-lyz
/riːˈvaɪ.tə.laɪz/
To imbue something with new life, vitality, energy, or economic vigor.
Implies restoring activity and prosperity to an area or system that was previously declining, stagnant, or neglected.
The story behind the word. Formed in the 19th century by combining 're-' (again) with 'vital' (derived from Latin 'vita', meaning life). In modern municipal policy, it gained traction during post-industrial efforts to bring life back to decaying manufacturing towns.
Word relationships
- rejuvenate: Rejuvenate emphasizes making something feel young again, whereas revitalize emphasizes infusing energy and economic vigor.
- stagnate: To stop moving, developing, or progressing.
Commonly confused with
- refurbish: Refurbish means repainting or fixing physical surfaces, while revitalize means bringing broader economic and social activity back.
Word family
- revitalization (noun): The action of imbuing something with new life and vitality.
- vital (adjective): Essential for life and active strength.
Collocations
- revitalize downtown
- revitalize the economy
- revitalize communities
- effort to revitalize
Example sentences
- "The city council launched a multi-million dollar grant program to revitalize the historic main street waterfront district." Economic Development
- "To revitalize a declining city neighborhood, you must start by bringing eyes back to the street and fostering organic community safety." Urban Design Essay
Memory hook
Re (again) + Vital (life): giving life back to an old neighborhood. Pumping new life into an old heart.
When not to use
Do not use when creating a brand-new settlement from scratch where no prior community existed.
Fun facts
- In the 1970s, Baltimore's Inner Harbor became one of the world's most famous examples of waterfront revitalization, turning derelict docks into aquariums and markets.
Related words
Explore more words
revitalization, invigorate, rejuvenate, regenerative, restorative, stimulate
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