reminiscence

[rem-uh-nis-uhns]

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.

reminiscence

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of reminiscence¹

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

Example Sentences

Recently, Rowntree spoke with The Times about all its trials and tribulations — and, perhaps, indulge in some reminiscence.

From Los Angeles Times

Birdwell, who lost her home in Berry Creek, still thinks of that cabin as a “slice of heaven” and reminiscences “about how life used to be.”

From Los Angeles Times

Seeing two icons, holding a united front to protect the sanctity of the big-budget silver screen experience, might provide a jolt of wistful reminiscence if it didn’t come off so smug.

From Salon

But between reminiscences, Bryan and Underwood shared a few hush-hush words about the future.

From Los Angeles Times

“I don’t want to stand here five years from now and reminiscence about an industry that has left us.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anecdote 
• recollection 
• remembrance