rekindle memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “rekindle memory” is correct and can be used in written English in appropriate contexts.
You can use it to refer to the act of recalling or bringing back a feeling, memory or experience from the past. For example: "Seeing an old photograph of my childhood home was enough to rekindle memories of my happy childhood years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ferrero, 31, was trying to rekindle memories of when he was the No. 1 player in the world.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The Economist

McIlroy, who started the day six strokes off the lead, birdied four of the first five holes to rekindle memories of his final-round charge here in 2010.

The New York Times - Sports

It is hard to rekindle memories of years past, kind of like finding an old girlfriend on Facebook 30 years after those flames of youthful infatuation took hold.

The New York Times - Sports

The San Francisco-set scenes, with the Golden Gate Bridge and the steep, dizzying streets to the fore, can't help but rekindle memories of Alfred Hitchcock Vertigo.

Independent

Colorado has won 9 of 10 to rekindle memories of last September's resurrection, although none of the victories have been against teams with a winning record.

The New York Times

"Many of the Jewish daughters who once rejected mahjong are now returning to the game as a way to connect with their Jewish identities and rekindle memories of their mothers," Heinz said.

Stanford University

For a very select number of hockey aficionados, the announcement that the Islanders are coming to New York City could rekindle memories of the team's odd stint, reminiscent of the film "Slap Shot".

The New York Times

As he developed the new project with the screenwriters Barbara Turner and Jerry Stahl, Mr. Kaufman said, he became captivated by the lesser-known Gellhorn and hoped the film would rekindle memories of her.

The New York Times

Recommending his autobiography "Memoirs of a Mangy Lover," Groucho wrote, "If you are in a sexy mood the night you read it, it may stimulate you beyond recognition and rekindle memories that you haven't recalled in years".

The New Yorker

In March, Mr. Terry and other former Navy bandsmen, all now in their 80's, gathered for a concert and reunion here to bring to light their contributions and to rekindle memories.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "rekindle memory", consider emphasizing the emotional or sensory experience associated with the memory to create a more vivid and engaging image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "rekindle memory" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more direct alternatives like "recall" or "remember" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rekindle memory" functions as a verb phrase, where "rekindle" acts as a transitive verb taking "memory" as its direct object. It describes the action of reviving or restoring a memory. Although Ludwig doesn't have explicit examples for this exact query, the broader concept is confirmed by similar searches.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rekindle memory" is grammatically correct and understandable, describing the act of reviving a memory. However, Ludwig indicates that it is not a commonly used phrase. More frequent alternatives like "bring back memories" or "revive a memory" may be preferred. While the phrase is suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts, it should be used thoughtfully to ensure clarity and impact. It may be particularly effective when emphasizing the emotional or sensory aspect of the memory being recalled. Despite the absence of direct examples, the meaning remains clear, signifying the gentle restoration of a past recollection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring back memories

A more direct and common way of saying that something causes memories to return.

revive a memory

Focuses on bringing a memory back to life from a dormant state. Slightly more dramatic than "rekindle memory".

refresh a memory

Implies that the memory has faded and needs to be strengthened.

trigger a memory

Highlights the stimulus that initiates the recall process. More mechanistic.

jog someone's memory

Suggests providing a stimulus to trigger recall. More active than "rekindle memory".

awaken memories

A more poetic and evocative way of describing the return of memories.

stir up memories

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of bringing memories to the surface. Can be more potent.

elicit memories

Formal and suggests drawing memories out through questioning or prompting.

call forth memories

Suggests a deliberate effort to summon memories from the past. More intentional.

recover a memory

Implies retrieving a memory that was lost or suppressed. More about retrieval than gentle revival.

FAQs

How can I use "rekindle memory" in a sentence?

You can use "rekindle memory" to describe the act of reviving a past recollection or feeling. For example, "The old photographs helped to "bring back memories" and rekindle her memory of her childhood home".

What's a more common alternative to "rekindle memory"?

Alternatives include "revive a memory", "refresh a memory", or "bring back memories". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "rekindle memories" or "rekindle memory"?

While "rekindle memory" is grammatically correct, "rekindle memories" is more common because it usually refers to multiple instances or aspects of a past event or period.

What is the connotation of using "rekindle memory"?

Using "rekindle memory" suggests a gentle and positive revival of a past experience. It often implies that the memory was fading or dormant and is now being brought back to life with a sense of warmth or nostalgia. This is slightly different from alternatives like "trigger a memory", which can suggest a more sudden or even jarring recall.