rejuvenecer
Lemma Details
Translation: to rejuvenate; to make younger; to become younger; to revitalize; to refresh
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 're-' (again) + 'juvenescere' (to grow young), from 'juvenis' (young). The English cognate 'rejuvenate' shares the same Latin roots. The word literally means 'to make young again' or 'to restore to youth.' This verb captures the concept of reversing the aging process or bringing back youthful qualities.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El ejercicio regular puede rejuvenecer el cuerpo y la mente.
Regular exercise can rejuvenate the body and mind.
Esta crema promete rejuvenecer la piel en solo una semana.
This cream promises to rejuvenate the skin in just one week.
Después de las vacaciones, se sentía rejuvenecido.
After the vacation, he felt rejuvenated.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'rejuvenate' in English - they sound very similar and mean the same thing.
- Break it down: re (again) + juven (youth) + ecer (to become) = to become young again.
- Picture a 'juvenile' (joven) becoming young again (re-juvenile-ecer).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in contexts related to beauty, health, and wellness in Spanish-speaking cultures. The concept of rejuvenation is particularly important in beauty marketing and anti-aging products.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'rejuvenecer' specifically refers to making something or someone younger or more youthful, 'renovar' is more general and means to renew, restore, or update something without necessarily implying youth.
This word:
El tratamiento facial ayuda a rejuvenecer la piel.
The facial treatment helps rejuvenate the skin.
Notes: 'Rejuvenecer' is more specific to restoring youth, while 'renovar' is broader in application.
Mnemonic: 'Rejuvenecer' contains 'juven' (like 'juvenile'), focusing on youth; 'renovar' contains 'nova' (new), focusing on newness without age implications.
Explanation: 'Rejuvenecer' refers to making younger in general, while 'reverdecer' specifically means 'to become green again' or 'to flourish again' (often used for plants or vegetation).
Confused word:
Después de la lluvia, los campos comenzaron a reverdecer.
After the rain, the fields began to become green again.
Notes: Both verbs involve restoration, but in different domains: youth vs. greenery/vitality.
Mnemonic: 'Reverdecer' contains 'verde' (green), while 'rejuvenecer' contains 'juven' (youth).