anew
Americanadverb
-
over again; again; once more.
to play the tune anew.
-
in a new form or manner.
to write the story anew.
adverb
-
over again; once more
-
in a different way; afresh
Etymology
Origin of anew
before 1000; Middle English onew, of newe; see a- 2), Old English of niowe, probably modeled on Old French de neuf; replacing Old English edniwe once more
Explanation
When something happens anew, it happens again, but in a fresh way that might be different. Anew is a word to describe things that happen again but are more than just a rerun. If a couple takes their marriage vows anew, it's a little different than the first time. If a clothes trend happens anew, it's a revival of the original trend that probably won't be identical. This word applies to renewals and fresh starts of many kinds, though not always positive ones. Romances and barfights could both begin anew.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That allows you to sell another put and begin anew.
From Barron's • May 20, 2026
Every time her ghost pops up on a device, my heart is ripped anew.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
But ultimately, he opted to return to USC as a sophomore, in hopes of starting anew.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026
Planters started anew in central Florida, in Polk County and its surroundings, what’s known as the Ridge, the highest part of Florida, and the only part that was never below sea level, historically.
From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026
For the thousandth time I realize anew how hard my disease is on her.
From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
