What does relearning mean?
Relearning is the act of acquiring knowledge or a skill again after it has previously been learned. It is commonly used for returning to an abandoned language, recovering forgotten material, refreshing an outdated qualification, or rebuilding a practical ability. The term is neutral and can apply to formal education as well as informal personal development. As a noun, it usually names the process rather than a countable result, though individual instances may be described as relearnings. As a verb, it is the present participle or gerund of relearn and is frequently followed by an object identifying what is being studied again. Relearning can also have a specialized meaning in psychology and education, where the speed and form of reacquisition are compared with initial learning. The word distinguishes renewed acquisition from both first-time learning and deliberate forgetting.
The process or activity of learning something again after previously learning it.
"The effectiveness of the intervention was measured by the improvement that followed relearning."
Usually uncountable when referring to the general process; the plural form is uncommon.
To learn something again after previously learning it.
"The program helps returning athletes relearn proper technique after injury."
This is the gerund form of the verb relearn and may function as a gerund or in a progressive construction.
Usually uncountable when referring to the general process; the plural is uncommon but used for distinct instances or programs of renewed learning.
"The course offered separate relearnings of the language for students at different proficiency levels."
Relearning restores what the mind once knew, turning forgotten skills into familiar tools again.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does relearning come from?
The base verb learn comes from Old English leornian, meaning to acquire knowledge or skill by study. Modern English cognates include German lernen and Dutch leren. Relearning was formed by combining the learned prefix re-, from Latin re-, meaning again, with learn, so its meaning is straightforward: to learn once more.
Related word forms
How relearning is actually used
Relearning is neutral in register and is especially common in education, language learning, rehabilitation, and the reacquisition of practical skills. It usually describes repeating earlier learning rather than replacing it with genuinely new knowledge.
Easily confused with relearning
Relearning means acquiring knowledge again, whereas unlearning means deliberately discarding knowledge or a habit that has already been acquired.