What does rekindling mean?
Rekindling means lighting or reviving something again, most often in a figurative sense. People speak of rekindling a friendship, an interest, a dispute, or a team's momentum after it has weakened or disappeared. The word carries a positive emotional suggestion of renewal, though it can also describe the renewed outbreak of conflict or controversy. Its literal meaning is the act of relighting a fire that has gone out. In everyday use, rekindling is somewhat more evocative than the neutral verb “revive,” because it combines the practical associations of kindling with the sense of restoring something that once existed. The expression “rekindling the flame” is especially familiar and often suggests a passion or relationship that has been reawakened rather than newly created.
An act of relighting a fire or reviving a feeling, relationship, interest, or conflict that had faded.
"The match was the spark for the rekindling of their friendship."
The noun is usually uncountable, although separate instances can occasionally be counted.
To relight a fire or cause a feeling, relationship, interest, or conflict to revive.
"The ceremony rekindled public interest in traditional craftsmanship."
This is the present participle of “rekindle” and is used both in ongoing actions and as a gerund.
Usually used in the singular or as an uncountable noun; the plural refers to separate acts of renewal.
"Each reunion represented a separate rekindling of their former partnership."
Rekindling carries a double spark: it can restore a literal flame or renew something human, such as trust.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rekindling come from?
Rekindling was formed by combining the prefix “re-,” meaning again, with “kindle” and the suffix “-ing.” “Kindle” comes from Middle English “kyndlen,” ultimately from Old Norse “kynda,” meaning to set on fire or light, and is associated with the Germanic vocabulary of fire and burning. Adding “re-” introduced the sense of beginning the process again, while the noun use developed for the act of renewal itself.
How rekindling is actually used
Rekindling is especially common in figurative contexts involving relationships, emotions, interests, conflicts, and competitive momentum. It often carries a slightly literary or emphatic tone, while “revive” is more neutral. Literal use is understood but less frequent.
Easily confused with rekindling
Rekindling means lighting or reviving something again, whereas kindling is small material used to start a fire.