Regenerate: meaning, definitions and examples

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regenerate

 

[ rɪˈdʒɛnəˌreɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

biology

To restore or reestablish a population of organisms, especially after a period of decline or extinction.

Synonyms

renew, repopulate, revive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
regenerate

Best used in scientific or technical contexts, often related to biology or technology, where something is being regrown or rebuilt from its basic elements.

  • Scientists found a way to regenerate damaged tissues.
  • The forest slowly began to regenerate after the wildfire.
renew

Appropriate for general contexts where something is being made new again, whether it's a subscription, energy, or enthusiasm.

  • I need to renew my passport before the trip.
  • Yoga helps me renew my energy for the day.
revive

Best for situations where bringing something back to life, consciousness, or a previous state of activity or interest is discussed.

  • The new manager helped revive the failing business.
  • Paramedics managed to revive the unconscious man.
repopulate

Used specifically when talking about populating an area again with people, animals, or plants.

  • Efforts are being made to repopulate the endangered species in the region.
  • The city worked to repopulate the downtown area after many residents moved away.

Examples of usage

  • Efforts are being made to regenerate the coral reef ecosystem.
  • The government is implementing a plan to regenerate the endangered species in the area.
Context #2 | Verb

urban development

To renovate or develop an area, making it more attractive or prosperous.

Synonyms

redevelop, renew, revitalize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
regenerate

Typically used when referring to the renewal or restoration of something that was damaged or worn out. Often used in biological, ecological, or organizational contexts.

  • The starfish can regenerate its lost limbs.
  • The company aimed to regenerate its corporate culture after the scandal.
renew

Used to describe the process of making something new, fresh, or strong again. Can refer to physical objects, subscriptions, or even abstract concepts like hope or enthusiasm.

  • I need to renew my passport before our trip.
  • She felt a renewed sense of purpose after attending the conference.
revitalize

Often used to describe giving new life or energy to something, especially communities, economies, or health. The word has a positive connotation.

  • The new policies are expected to revitalize the economy.
  • They worked hard to revitalize the neighborhood through various community projects.
redevelop

Commonly used in urban planning or construction contexts, focusing on rebuilding or designing again, often to improve or modernize an area.

  • The city council plans to redevelop the abandoned industrial site into a park.
  • They decided to redevelop the old factory into apartments.

Examples of usage

  • The city council has allocated funds to regenerate the downtown area.
  • The developers aim to regenerate the old industrial site into a modern residential complex.

Translations

Translations of the word "regenerate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 regenerar

🇮🇳 पुनरुत्पन्न करना (punarutpann karna)

🇩🇪 regenerieren

🇮🇩 meregenerasi

🇺🇦 регенерувати

🇵🇱 regenerować

🇯🇵 再生する (saisei suru)

🇫🇷 régénérer

🇪🇸 regenerar

🇹🇷 yeniden oluşturmak

🇰🇷 재생하다 (jaesaenghada)

🇸🇦 تجديد (tajdid)

🇨🇿 regenerovat

🇸🇰 regenerovať

🇨🇳 再生 (zàishēng)

🇸🇮 obnoviti

🇮🇸 endurnýja

🇰🇿 қайта жаңғырту (qayta jañğyrtu)

🇬🇪 აღდგენა (aghdgena)

🇦🇿 bərpa etmək

🇲🇽 regenerar

Etymology

The word 'regenerate' originates from the Latin word 'regeneratus', which means 'recreated'. It first appeared in English in the 16th century. The concept of regeneration has been significant in various fields, from biology to urban planning, emphasizing the idea of renewal and revival.

See also: degenerate, degeneration, generating, generative, regenerator.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,996, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.