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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

revival

rih-VEYE-vuhl

Revival (noun) means a return of something, such as interest, energy, or activity, after a period of decline. Example: “The neighbourhood has seen a revival since the new shops opened.”

noun
1
A return of something, such as interest, energy, or activity, after a period of decline.
"The neighbourhood has seen a revival since the new shops opened."
"There's been a revival of interest in vinyl records among young listeners."
2
A new production of an older play, musical, or film.
"The theatre is staging a revival of the classic 1960s musical."
3
A meeting or period focused on renewing religious enthusiasm.
"The church held a week-long revival to reinvigorate the congregation."

How to use revival

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA comeback — something old or forgotten becoming popular, active, or performed again.

Common pairings
economic revival a stage revival religious revival

Word forms

revivals plural

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The neighbourhood has seen a _____ since the new shops opened.

Etymology

Formed from revive plus the suffix -al.

Related words

Rhymes for revival

See all rhymes for revival →

Frequently asked questions

What does “revival” mean?

The word “revival” means a return of something, such as interest, energy, or activity, after a period of decline. In plain terms, a comeback — something old or forgotten becoming popular, active, or performed again.

How do you pronounce “revival”?

“Revival” is pronounced rih-VEYE-vuhl (/ɹɪˈvaɪ̯vəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “revival” in a sentence?

Here is “revival” used in a sentence: “The neighbourhood has seen a revival since the new shops opened.”

What is another word for “revival”?

Words with a similar meaning to “revival” include revive.

What part of speech is “revival”?

“Revival” is a noun.

Is “revival” a common word?

“Revival” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “revival” have?

“Revival” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a return of something, such as interest, energy, or activity, after a period of decline.

What is the difference between a 'revival' and a 'renaissance'?

A 'revival' is the return of something after a period of decline, such as renewed interest in an old fashion. A 'renaissance' suggests a broader, more sweeping rebirth of culture, art, or learning, and is often larger in scope than a simple revival.

What is a 'revival' in theatre?

In theatre, a revival is a new production of an older play or musical that has not been staged for some time. Producers revive well-known works to introduce them to new audiences.

What is the difference between 'revival' and 'resurgence'?

Both describe something growing strong again after a decline. 'Resurgence' emphasizes a powerful rise back to prominence, often used for movements or trends, while 'revival' is broader and can also apply to reviving a play, a religious meeting, or general interest.

What is a 'religious revival'?

A religious revival is a meeting or period intended to renew and strengthen religious enthusiasm and commitment. Such events often feature energetic preaching and are meant to reawaken faith in a community.

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