reconnect
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˌiːkənˈɛkt/
US
- /rikəˈnɛkt/
Description
- restore connection
- get back in touch
- link up again
To reconnect means to restore a broken or lost connection, whether it's with a person, a place, or even yourself. Think of an old friend you haven't spoken to in years; reconnecting means reaching out and rebuilding that relationship. It can also be about finding your way back to something you enjoyed before, like reconnecting with a hobby after a long break. Sometimes it's as simple as getting a phone signal back and reconnecting to the network.
The word implies that there was a connection before and that it now needs mending or restarting. You might reconnect with your roots by visiting your hometown, or reconnect with nature through hiking. It's about bridging gaps and bringing things together again.
Reconnect describes the act of restoring a link or relationship that has been broken, lost, or faded over time. It suggests a previous connection existed and is now being actively rebuilt. For example: "After years apart, they were thrilled to reconnect at their high school reunion."
The word isn't limited to personal relationships. You can reconnect with your passions by picking up an old instrument or returning to painting after years away. It also applies to technology; when your Bluetooth device connects again, it's reconnecting. In a broader sense, you might reconnect with your values or beliefs after a period of uncertainty.
The power of "reconnect" lies in the sense of intention it carries. It's not just happening by chance; someone is making an effort to bridge the gap. You might say, "She's been trying to reconnect with her estranged brother," highlighting the active attempt at reconciliation.
Increasingly, we see reconnecting used in the context of digital well-being: consciously disconnecting from technology to reconnect with ourselves and our surroundings. It's a reminder that sometimes stepping away is necessary to truly come back together, whether it's with others or with who you are.
Examples
- 1
Wi-Fi connection
If the Wi-Fi drops, my phone usually reconnects in a few seconds.
- 2
Network setup
After I changed the password, I had to reconnect the printer to the network.
Pattern
reconnect X to Y
connect X to Y again
- 3
Old friends
We reconnected after college and started meeting for coffee again.
- 4
Hometown friends
She moved back to her hometown to reconnect with old friends.
Pattern
reconnect with + person
start being close or in contact again
- 5
Personal values
Taking a break from work helped him reconnect with what mattered to him.
- 6
Audience relationship
The band did a small tour to reconnect with their audience.
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- reconnectverb
Forms
- reconnectedpast tenseverb
- reconnecting-ing formverb
- reconnectsverb