What does revival mean?
A revival is a renewal of life, activity, interest, or significance after a period of decline or inactivity. The term is especially common in discussions of the economy, culture, public interest, and institutions: a business may experience a revival, while a festival or traditional practice may undergo a revival after years of neglect. It can also describe a broadly renewed period of religious activity, particularly in a historical context, or a meeting designed to encourage renewed spiritual commitment. Revival is broader than recovery because it does not necessarily imply returning to a normal prior state; it can suggest renewed popularity, vitality, or creative interest. The word comes from Latin roots meaning “again” and “to live,” making it especially appropriate for describing something that has been brought back into active or flourishing life.
nounThe act of restoring something to a previous state of activity or importance, or the renewed interest and activity that results. It can also refer to a period of renewed religious activity or a gathering intended to renew spiritual commitment.
- A renewed period of activity, interest, growth, or popularity.
- The restoration of something to an earlier or more successful condition.
- A religious movement characterized by renewed spiritual commitment and evangelistic activity.
- A meeting or series of meetings intended to promote renewed religious commitment.
"The renovation of the old theatre has sparked a remarkable revival of interest in the town's cultural history."
"Local businesses are enjoying a revival thanks to the arrival of the new railway line."
"The nineteenth-century religious revival inspired several converts to devote their lives to charitable work."
The plural is used for separate renewed periods of activity or for multiple religious revival meetings.
"Each decade has brought its own revivals of interest in the genre."
Revival literally means being given life again: its Latin roots combine “again” with “to live.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does revival come from?
Revival entered English in the early 17th century from Medieval Latin Revivalis, a form related to revivere, “to bring back to life.” That verb combines the Latin prefix re-, meaning “again,” with vivere, “to live.” Related English words such as revive and vivid ultimately reflect the same Latin roots associated with life and vitality.
Related word forms
How revival is actually used
The word is neutral in most contexts but can carry a slightly historical or cultural nuance when describing a revival meeting or religious awakening.
Easily confused with revival
Revivalism is a movement or set of ideas advocating spiritual renewal, whereas a revival is an actual renewal or period of renewed activity.
Recovery usually describes a return to health or normal operation after a decline, while revival more broadly emphasizes renewed activity, interest, or popularity.