recollection

[rek-uh-lek-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or power of recollecting, or recalling to mind; remembrance.

   Synonyms: memory, recall

2. something that is recollected: recollected.

   recollections of one's childhood.

   Synonyms: memoir, memory

Other Word Forms

• misrecollection noun
• nonrecollection noun
• self-recollection noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of recollection¹

1635–45; < French récollection or Medieval Latin recollēctiōn- (stem of recollēctiō ), equivalent to recollēct ( us ) ( recollect ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

The King expressed delight at her recollection of his 1969 investiture as the Prince of Wales when he was 21, laughing at Mrs Caterham's comment about being the subject of many girls' affection.

From BBC

Even some participants were at first unsure of whether they wanted to be there, though to judge by their recollections, everyone succumbed to the good vibes and the atmosphere McLachlan set.

From Los Angeles Times

His legacy lives on - and it seems his recollection of his famous news conferences is as clear as that of the journalists who attended them.

From BBC

“It came quite late for us but it was something we’d longed for and a huge adventure,” Townshend said in a recent interview, featuring long, thoughtful and detailed recollections of those early days.

From Los Angeles Times

Mandelson has never explicitly denied or confirmed he did, although it has been reported that he had no recollection of doing so.

From BBC

Related Words

• memoir 
• remembrance 
• reminiscence