What does relume mean?
Relume is a literary verb meaning to begin again after something has been interrupted, stopped, or left unfinished. It is commonly used with activities, journeys, conversations, negotiations, and processes: a committee may relume its deliberations, while travelers relume a journey. The verb can also mean to light or illuminate something again, though this sense is especially associated with poetic or dramatic writing. Relume has a formal, sometimes ceremonial tone, making it more evocative than the ordinary word resume. Its image of interrupted activity continuing carries the suggestion of renewed momentum, purpose, or energy. Although still used in modern English, particularly in writing that seeks elevated or traditional language, relume is much less common in ordinary conversation, where resume or carry on is usually more natural.
To begin or take up again after an interruption.
"The delegates relumed negotiations after the recess."
Chiefly literary; resume is more usual in neutral everyday English.
To light or set alight again.
"The wardens relumed the signal fires when the darkness returned."
This sense is literary and poetic rather than common in everyday usage.
Relume belongs to the language of lit candles and interrupted stories: it means to begin again, often with renewed purpose or light.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does relume come from?
Relume was formed in English using the prefix re-, meaning again, and a form related to Latin lumen, meaning light. The word developed in senses associated with lighting again and, more broadly, beginning or resuming an interrupted action. It belongs to the same Latin-root family as lumen, illuminate, and luminous, although relume itself is an English formation.
Related word forms
How relume is actually used
Relume is literary and relatively uncommon in everyday speech. In general use, resume is normally preferred, while relume can carry a more dramatic or ceremonial tone.
Easily confused with relume
Both words mean to begin again after an interruption, but relume is chiefly literary and can also refer to lighting or illuminating something again.