What does relighting mean?
Relighting is the act of lighting something again, or the process by which a flame is reignited. The word is especially associated with candles, fires, lanterns, lamps, and similar objects that have gone out or need attention. It can describe either a deliberate action, as in relighting a candle, or a more technical process involving the rekindling of a flame or ignition system. The prefix re- adds the idea of repetition to lighting, making the word useful when discussing maintenance, safety, recovery, or the restoration of light. Although relighting is not restricted to any one region, it has a practical and slightly traditional tone when used in domestic or literary contexts.
The act or process of lighting something again, especially a candle, fire, or other source of flame.
"The relighting of the candle created a warm glow throughout the room."
This is the usual noun use. It can refer to a deliberate action or to the rekindling of a flame.
Present participle of relight: lighting again or reigniting.
"They spent the evening relighting the lamps in the old house."
The form is used in ongoing or participial constructions, such as relighting a fire.
The plural is used when referring to separate acts of lighting something again.
"The repeated relightings of the beacon briefly illuminated the coast."
Sometimes a small act of maintenance is simply a matter of putting light back where it was.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does relighting come from?
Relighting was formed in English by combining the prefix re-, meaning again, with lighting, the gerund of light. Both elements ultimately relate to the Proto-Indo-European root shared by words such as light, luminous, and delight. The compound became especially associated with restoring flame to a candle, fire, or lamp.
Related word forms
How relighting is actually used
Relighting is most often used for candles, fires, lamps, and other flame-producing objects. In electrical contexts, it can also refer to restarting an ignition system or restoring a flame.
Easily confused with relighting
Relighting means lighting something again, whereas relying means depending on someone or something for support or assistance.