reminiscence

American  

[rem-uh-nis-uhns] / ˌrɛm əˈnɪs əns /

noun

1. the act or process of recalling past experiences, events, etc.

   Synonyms:

   recollection

2. a mental impression retained and revived.

   Synonyms:

   memory

3. Often reminiscences. a recollection narrated or told.

   reminiscences of an American soldier.

   Synonyms:

   memoir, tale, anecdote

4. something that recalls or suggests something else.

   Synonyms:

   reminder

5. (in Platonic philosophy) anamnesis.

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reminiscence British  

/ ˌrɛmɪˈnɪsəns /

noun

1. the act of recalling or narrating past experiences

2. (often plural) some past experience, event, etc, that is recalled or narrated; anecdote

3. an event, phenomenon, or experience that reminds one of something else

4. (in the philosophy of Plato) the doctrine that perception and recognition of particulars is possible because the mind has seen the universal forms of all things in a previous disembodied existence

5. psychol the ability to perform a task better when tested some time after the task has been learnt than when tested immediately after learning it

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Etymology

Origin of reminiscence

First recorded in 1580–90; from Middle French, from Late Latin reminiscentia, from reminiscent-, stem of reminiscēns “remembering” ( see reminiscent) + -ia -y ³ ( def. )

Explanation

A reminiscence is a memory, or the act of recovering it. A visit to your old elementary school may flood your brain with reminiscences––things you hadn't thought of in years coming suddenly back. Many people find that when they travel or have quiet time to think, their brain becomes occupied with reminiscence. You can see how close the word reminiscence is in meaning to the word remember––you might think of the word reminiscence as a remembering.

Example Sentences

And a revival of his large-scale opus dedicated to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “ … as in a Cultural Reminiscence …” might also fit in Carnegie’s Zankel Hall space.

From New York Times • Jun. 12, 2022

"I was just curious as to how he didn't get invited," Jackman quipped while discussing his new film, "Reminiscence."

From Fox News • Aug. 20, 2021

Using a tank called the Reminiscence developed for interrogation purposes, he facilitates trips down memory lane for those who have nothing to look forward to and choose instead to look back.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2021

In "Reminiscence," a sci-fi thriller arriving in U.S. theaters on Friday, Jackman plays a former soldier who runs a business for people who want to float in sensory deprivation tanks.

From Reuters • Aug. 19, 2021

It wakens Reminiscence, like a bell; And summons up a vanished Form most dear, Which, long years since, I laid within the tomb!

From Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 434 Volume 17, New Series, April 24, 1852 by Chambers, William

Related Words

• anecdote
• recollection
• remembrance