refresh

[ ri-fresh ]

verb (used with object)

1. to provide new vigor and energy by rest, food, etc. (often used reflexively).

   Synonyms: revive

2. to stimulate (the memory).
3. to make fresh again; reinvigorate or cheer (a person, the mind, spirits, etc.).

   Synonyms: reanimate, enliven, freshen

   Antonyms: discourage, dispirit

4. to freshen in appearance, color, etc., as by a restorative.

   Synonyms: retouch, renew, renovate, repair, restore

5. Computers.
   1. to access (the most recent version of a web page) from the internet instead of from the cache:

      I refreshed the page to see the current stock price before executing my online trade.

   2. to display (an image) repeatedly, as on a CRT, in order to prevent fading.
   3. to read and write (the contents of dynamic storage) at intervals in order to avoid loss of data.

verb (used without object)

1. to take refreshment, especially food or drink.
2. to become fresh or vigorous again; revive.

refresh

/ rɪˈfrɛʃ /

verb

1. usually tr or reflexive to make or become fresh or vigorous, as through rest, drink, or food; revive or reinvigorate
2. tr to enliven (something worn or faded), as by adding new decorations
3. tr to stimulate (the memory)
4. tr to replenish, as with new equipment or stores
5. computing to display the latest updated version (of a web page or document); reload

Derived Forms

• reˈfreshful, adjective

Other Words From

• re·freshful adjective
• re·freshful·ly adverb
• unre·freshed adjective
• well-re·freshed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of refresh¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English refreschen, from Middle French refreschir, Old French. See re-, fresh

Word History and Origins

Origin of refresh¹

C14: from Old French refreschir ; see re- , fresh

Example Sentences

Users who want to refresh their feeds will be able to select "reset suggested content" from their "content preferences" screen.

From BBC

Newly appointed CEO, Andrea Baldo, says he has a "refreshed business strategy" and has cut 85 roles as part of the shake-up.

From BBC

The Grammy-nominated singer gave a master class on breath control and effortlessly reminded attendees why he’s still one of the most refreshing and vulnerable singer-songwriters in music today.

From Los Angeles Times

The opening track, “Gemini,” is a vivid but fretful tale of modern malaise and a doppelgänger who gives Heynderickx refreshing perspective.

From New York Times

Fans were "randomly assigned a place in a queue" rather than having to refresh the holding page when the tickets went live.

From BBC

Related Words

• cool
• exhilarate
• reinvigorate
• rejuvenate
• replenish
• revive
• stimulate

More About Refresh

What does refresh mean?

To refresh is to reinvigorate, renew, or restore something to its original condition or a better state.

In the context of technology, refresh most commonly means to reload a web page or app in order to access the most recent or updated version of a display or feed.

Example: It’s amazing how much a hot shower can really refresh your spirit.

Where does refresh come from?

The first records of refresh come from the 1300s. It comes from the Middle English refreschen. It is made up of the prefix re-, meaning “again,” and fresh, generally meaning “new” or “not stale.”

To refresh something is often to make it fresh or like new again. You can refresh your look by getting some new clothes, or maybe a haircut. Similarly, you can refresh a room by giving it a new coat of paint. When you refresh someone’s memory, you restore it by doing something to remind them of something they forgot about or couldn’t think of.

Refresh is used in more specific ways in the context of technology. We refresh (or reload) web pages and social media feeds to make sure they’re displaying the most recent content. Screens like computer monitors and TVs refresh the image on the screen rapidly—when buying one, you might consider its refresh rate.

Most commonly, refresh means to reinvigorate, reenergize, or restore, especially a person’s physical state or spirit. You could tell your guests to refresh themselves by having refreshments, which refers to light food and drink. People refresh themselves on a hot day by having cold drinks—which are often described as refreshing. At the end of a hard day, you refresh yourself through sleep—hopefully the kind that leaves you feeling refreshed.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to refresh?

• refreshed (adjective, past tense verb)
• refreshing (adjective, continuous tense verb)
• unrefreshed (adjective)
• well-refreshed (adjective)
• refreshful (adjective)
• refreshfully (adverb)

What are some synonyms for refresh?

• reinvigorate
• renew
• restore
• revive
• reenergize
• rejuvenate
• freshen up
• reload

What are some words that share a root or word element with refresh? 

 

• fresh
• refreshments

What are some words that often get used in discussing refresh?

• new
• spirit
• sleep
• food
• drink
• screen

How is refresh used in real life?

Refresh is a very common word that can be used in many different contexts, most of which involve renewing or restoring something in a way that improves it. It’s also that thing you do to reload your social feed a million times.

Looking to refresh your look? Try incorporating these 4 trends. https://t.co/aN3ojhybZk #FashionFriday #style

— Lilliana Vazquez (@LillianaVazquez) January 18, 2020

i want to refresh my mind, clear all my problems and just have fun with life

— Carter Reynolds (@carterreynolds) August 3, 2015

Video / screen share roll out is going well so we're bumping another 10% to a total of 40%.

Refresh your app and check if you got it!

— Discord (@discord) September 11, 2017

 

 

Try using refresh!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym for refresh?

A. revive
B. rejuvenate
C. retry
D. renew