What does renewably mean?
Renewably is an adverb describing an action or process that can be continued because its source or resource is replenished rather than permanently used up. It is most common in discussions of energy, raw materials, and environmental sustainability: for example, electricity may be generated renewably through wind or solar power, and paper may be sourced renewably from responsibly managed forests. The word is closely related to renewable, which describes a resource, process, or material capable of being renewed. Although renewable is much more widely used, renewably is useful when a sentence needs to express how something is produced, powered, or obtained rather than merely describing the source itself. In environmental contexts, it often implies a concern with long-term sustainability and reduced dependence on finite resources.
adverbIn a manner that allows something to be renewed or replenished rather than permanently depleted.
- In a way that can be renewed, replenished, or sustained over time.
"The factory is powered renewably by a combination of solar panels and wind turbines."
"The energy is generated renewably, reducing dependence on finite fossil fuels."
"Businesses are increasingly seeking materials that can be sourced renewably and responsibly."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does renewably come from?
Renewably was formed in the modern English period by adding the adverb-forming suffix -ly to renewable. Renewable in turn comes from renew plus the suffix -able, meaning capable of being renewed. The verb renew derives ultimately from Old French renoveir and Latin renovare, both associated with making new or restoring something.
How renewably is actually used
This adverb is less common than the adjective renewable. It is especially used in environmental and energy contexts, often before words such as sourced, powered, or generated.