Rekindle: Definition, Usage & Common Examples

Meaning 1：revive (rekindle)

rekindle 🔊

/ˌriːˈkɪndl/

vt.

To make a feeling, interest, or relationship active again, like lighting a fire that had gone out.

Rekindle meaning illustrated by a couple sharing nostalgic memories over a photo album.

revive 🔊

➕

/rɪˈvaɪv/

vt.

To cause a dormant feeling, interest, or relationship to become active, vivid, or strong once more.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From prefix 're-' (again) + 'kindle' (to set fire to). Literally 'to light a fire again'.

💡 Mnemonic

Re-KINDLE: To bring the 'kind' (friendly) spark back into something, like re-lighting a 'candle'.

📖 Example

Her trip to Rome rekindled her childhood passion for ancient history. 🔊 The journey to Rome revived her long-lost childhood enthusiasm for ancient history.

🔗 Collocations

rekindle interest – to revive or stimulate interest in something again

rekindle a relationship – to restore warmth and intimacy to a fading relationship

rekindle passion – to cause a strong emotion or enthusiasm to flare up again

🔄 Synonyms

reignite (vt.) – To cause to start burning or become active again; very similar to rekindle, often used interchangeably.

revive (vt.) – To restore to life, consciousness, or activity; a broader term that can apply to people, practices, or emotions.

reawaken (vt.) – To cause a feeling, memory, or desire to become active again after a period of dormancy.

🚫 Antonyms

extinguish (vt.) – To put out a fire; to cause a feeling or activity to cease.

quell (vt.) – To put an end to a feeling, typically a negative one, by force.

dampen (vt.) – To make a feeling or activity less strong or enthusiastic.

🌱 Derivatives

rekindling (n.) – The act or process of reviving a feeling, interest, or relationship.

📖 Cultural Story

The word originates from Old Norse 'kynda' (to kindle). It first appeared in Middle English. Its metaphorical use for reviving feelings or interests became prominent in the 19th century, reflecting the Romantic era's focus on emotion.