What does renaissance mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/riˈnɛsəns/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

What does renaissance mean? A cultural and intellectual movement in the 14th to 17th centuries in Europe, marked by a revival of classical Greek and Roman culture, and characterized by advances in art, literature, science, and philosophy.

Etymology

The word “renaissance” comes from the French word “renaissance,” which is derived from the verb “naître,” meaning “to be born.” The term was first used in the 16th century to describe the cultural movement that was emerging in Europe.

Examples

• The art museum celebrated the Renaissance period with a new exhibit on Leonardo da Vinci.
• The novel was set in the Renaissance era and explored themes of love, art, and humanism.

Synonyms

• Revival
• Renaissance period
• Cultural movement

Antonyms

• Dark Ages

Usage Notes

The term “Renaissance” is often used to describe a cultural or intellectual movement that is characterized by a revival of classical culture and a focus on humanism.

It can also be used to describe a period of significant cultural or artistic achievement, such as the Renaissance in Italy in the 14th to 17th centuries.

Additional Information

The Renaissance was a time of great cultural and intellectual achievement in Europe, marked by advances in art, literature, science, and philosophy. It was characterized by a revival of classical Greek and Roman culture, and a focus on humanism.

During the Renaissance, artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael created some of the most iconic works of art in history, while writers such as William Shakespeare and Leonardo Bruni produced some of the most influential literature of the time.

The Renaissance also saw significant advances in science and philosophy, with thinkers such as Galileo Galilei and René Descartes laying the foundations for modern scientific inquiry.

Today, the term “Renaissance” is still used to describe cultural or intellectual movements that are characterized by a revival of classical culture and a focus on humanism.

It can also be used to describe a period of significant cultural or artistic achievement, and is often associated with the art, literature, and culture of Europe in the 14th to 17th centuries.

Cultural References

The Renaissance has been referenced in countless works of art, literature, and film, including:

• The movie “Gladiator” (2000), which depicts the Renaissance era in ancient Rome.
• The TV show “Rome” (2005-2007), which explores the politics and culture of ancient Rome during the Renaissance era.
• The novel “The Name of the Rose” (1980) by Umberto Eco, which is set in a Benedictine abbey during the Renaissance era.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

The term “Renaissance man” is an idiomatic expression that refers to someone who is expert in many fields and has a broad range of interests and skills.

Related Words or Phrases

Some related words or phrases that are closely related in meaning or usage to “Renaissance” include:

• Revival
• Renaissance period
• Cultural movement

Collocations

Some common collocations with the term “Renaissance” include:

• Artistic
• Cultural
• Intellectual
• Philosophical

Frequency of Use

The term “Renaissance” is not as commonly used in modern language as it was in the past, when it was used to describe the cultural and intellectual movement in Europe.

However, it is still used in academic and cultural contexts to describe cultural or intellectual movements that are characterized by a revival of classical culture and a focus on humanism.

Common Misspellings

The most common misspellings of the word “Renaissance” include:

• Renessance
• Renaissence
• Renascent