rekindle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "rekindle" is correct and can be used in written English.
To "rekindle" something means to make it active, alive, or strong again. You can use this word when you want to describe bringing something from the past back to life. For example: "After years of distance, the two friends managed to rekindle their friendship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A documentary about Harvey's attempts to rekindle his music career and recover from his accident, was aired on the BBC on 13 December 2005; his attempt to make a musical comeback came to nothing.

The Guardian

Yet Cantor is a big enough fish in his own right to rekindle fundamental questions about the future direction of the party.

The Guardian

I could never rekindle what I had at Arsenal, where I'd won the championship, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Cup Winners' Cup, so I thought I might as well just bow out.

The Guardian - Sport

Dr Hook & The Medicine Show (1972) Recommended by: cdadiva and Jackhigh In this autobiographical song, Shel Silverstein is devastated when his ex's mother reveals that Sylvia is now engaged, so there is no way the two can rekindle their relationship.

The Guardian

But the affair is bound to rekindle memories of PT sleaze that the president has been trying hard to put behind her.

The Economist

His successor who is widely tipped to be the affable deputy prime minister, Wen Jiabao will need a lot of courage if he is to rekindle the blaze.

The Economist

The sight of one in a field can be enough to rekindle atavistic affections that lie deep within.

The Economist

Providing parliamentary seats for compatriots abroad may rekindle loyalties.

The Economist

If Mr Calderón can rekindle that spirit, he could turn a two-horse race into a tight, three-way contest.

The Economist

An example: once the "shield of factishes" is stripped from science, Mr Latour avers, politics will be freed of its oldest tyranny, Greek rationalism.In sum, Mr Latour's peace plan may well rekindle a row that had seemed to be dying.

The Economist

The presidential race would also be a good place to rekindle the debate about tax reform.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rekindle" when you want to emphasize the revival of something that was once strong or active, but has faded or weakened over time. It's often used in contexts of relationships, emotions, or interests.

Common error

Avoid using "rekindle" when referring to the initial starting or creation of something. "Rekindle" implies a restoration or revival, not a beginning.

Linguistic Context

The verb "rekindle" primarily functions to describe the act of reviving or restoring something that was in decline or had ceased to exist. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, frequently observed in bringing back emotions, interests, or relationships from a dormant state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rekindle" is a versatile verb that means to revive or restore something that has diminished or faded. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. To avoid misuse, remember that "rekindle" should be used for reviving something that existed before, not for initial creation. Consider alternatives like "revive" or "reignite" for nuanced meanings. Understanding these points ensures effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rekindle the flame

Idiomatic expression emphasizing renewed passion or love.

revive

This term is a general synonym, implying a return to a previous state of activity or strength.

reignite

This suggests a renewed passion or enthusiasm, similar to relighting a fire.

reawaken

Implies stirring something from a dormant state, often used for emotions or memories.

regenerate

Focuses on restoring or recreating something that was damaged or lost.

restore

Highlights bringing something back to its original condition.

resurrect

Implies bringing something back from near death or oblivion, often used figuratively.

restart

Suggests beginning something again after it has stopped.

reactivate

Implies making something functional or operational again.

reanimate

To give new life or vigor to.

FAQs

How can I use "rekindle" in a sentence?

You can use "rekindle" to describe reviving something that has faded. For example, "They tried to "rekindle" their relationship after years apart" or "The government hoped to "rekindle" economic growth with new policies."

What can I say instead of "rekindle"?

You can use alternatives like "revive", "reignite", or "restore" depending on the specific context. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Which is correct, "rekindle the flame" or "kindle the flame"?

"Rekindle the flame" suggests reviving an existing passion, while "kindle the flame" implies starting a new one. The correct choice depends on whether the passion or interest already existed.

What's the difference between "rekindle" and "renew"?

"Rekindle" suggests bringing back something that has weakened or faded, often with an emotional or passionate connotation. "Renew" generally means to extend or refresh something, like a contract or subscription, without necessarily implying a previous decline.