Final answer:
The term "renaissance," meaning "rebirth" in French, refers to the pivotal cultural movement in Europe that spanned from the 14th to the 17th century, signifying a time of artistic, scientific, and intellectual revival based on the classical antiquity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Meaning of "Renaissance"
The term "renaissance" is a French word that translates directly to "rebirth" in English. This term aptly describes the period from the 14th to the 17th century, which marked a profound transformation in Europe, transitioning from the Middle Ages into the early modern era.
This era, often referred to as the Renaissance, began in the city-states of northern Italy and was characterized by a resurgence of interest in the cultural and intellectual achievements of ancient Greece and Rome.
The Renaissance was an era of renewed focus on humanism, which emphasized the value and agency of human beings, as well as a shift from the medieval values of feudalism. It witnessed the flourishing of art, science, literature, and philosophy, laying the groundwork for many modern principles and ways of thinking.
It was during this time that scholars like Petrarch promoted a return to the "pure" Classical Latin, artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo revolutionized painting and sculpture, and scientific perspectives changed how people understood the world around them.
In conclusion, the Renaissance signified a "rebirth" of classical styles and humanist ideas that would profoundly influence the future of European society, and its impact is still celebrated in modern culture and history.