relight: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowNeutral, slightly formal
Quick answer
What does “relight” mean?
To set something burning again.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To set something burning again; to ignite something again.
To revive or rekindle an abstract entity such as interest, passion, or a conflict.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The literal use is more common than the figurative in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral. Can imply a deliberate, often hopeful, act of restarting.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. More likely to appear in written texts than casual speech.
Grammar
How to Use “relight” in a Sentence
[Subject] + relight + [Direct Object][Subject] + relight + [Direct Object] + [for someone]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “relight” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He used a long match to relight the cooker.
- Can you relight the barbecue? The coals have gone out.
American English
- You'll need to relight the water heater's pilot light.
- She struggled to relight the campfire in the wind.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically in leadership contexts: 'The new CEO aims to relight the team's entrepreneurial spirit.'
Academic
Very rare. May appear in historical or technical texts about fire-making or energy systems.
Everyday
Most common in domestic contexts involving gas appliances, candles, or fires that have gone out.
Technical
Used in engineering and HVAC manuals regarding pilot lights, burners, or combustion systems.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “relight”
- Confusing 'relight' with 'relighten' (non-existent) or 'enlighten'. Incorrectly using it as a noun (e.g., 'the relight of the candle').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is one word, written without a hyphen: 'relight'.
Yes, but it is less common. It is acceptable to say 'relight a passion' or 'relight a debate', though 'rekindle' is often preferred in figurative contexts.
The past tense and past participle are both 'relit'. Example: 'She relit the candle.'
It is neutral but tends to be used in specific, practical contexts. It is not highly informal, but not overly formal either.
To set something burning again.
Relight: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈlaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈlaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Relight the torch of freedom.”
- “Relight the fire in one's belly (rare).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a lighthouse: its lamp might go out, but you must RE-LIGHT it to make it work again.
Conceptual Metaphor
FIRE/FLAME IS PASSIVITY OR ACTIVITY (e.g., 'relight the fire of ambition' maps restarting an activity to reigniting a flame).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'relight' most appropriately used?