Renascence: meaning, definitions and examples

Historical Origins

• The term comes from the Latin word 'renascor,' meaning 'to be born again,' reflecting a revival of learning during the 14th to 17th centuries.
• The Italian Renaissance was a crucial period characterized by a renewed interest in classical art, literature, and learning, significantly shaped by the Fall of Constantinople in 1453.
• This rebirth not only influenced Europe but also sparked developments in philosophy, science, and politics, paving the way for the Enlightenment.

Art

• Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo emerged during this time, redefining techniques such as perspective and human anatomy in their works.
• The revival of classical themes and humanism in art led to the creation of masterpieces, including the Sistine Chapel ceiling and 'The Last Supper.'
• The use of oil paint became popular during this era, allowing for greater detail and color richness, which transformed the art scene.

Literature

• Literature during this period saw a flourish of new ideas, with writers like Dante Alighieri and Geoffrey Chaucer bringing vernacular language to the forefront.
• The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg allowed for the wider distribution of literature, expanding access to new works.
• Shakespeare’s plays emerged from the spirit of the Renaissance, blending classical themes with contemporary human experiences.

Science

• The Renaissance also marked a shift in scientific thought, with figures like Galileo and Copernicus challenging established ideas about the universe.
• This period laid the groundwork for the Scientific Revolution, emphasizing observation and experimentation.
• Anatomy and medicine advanced through the studies of individuals, like Andreas Vesalius, who emphasized direct observation of the human body.

Philosophy

• Philosophers like Descartes and Machiavelli questioned established beliefs, encouraging critical thinking and the exploration of human nature.
• The emphasis on individualism during this time spurred ideas of personal autonomy and the value of the single human experience.
• Renaissance philosophy included a revival of Platonic and Aristotelian thought, greatly influencing Western intellectual history.

Ranking #35,547, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 35544 avuncular
• 35545 unplug
• 35546 forthrightness
• 35547 renascence
• 35548 rephrasing
• 35549 surefire
• 35550 illegitimately
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