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

For “Future Boy,” the actor has wisely beefed up his recollections with those of his fellow actors, as well as Robert Zemeckis, the film’s director and co-writer, and others involved with “Back to the Future.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Sitting on a lawn under a shade tree, 87-year-old Ron Nelson graciously obliged when asked by yet another stranger for his recollection of that day.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Those who made it to the end with him had the choice to return to the real world, where they awoke as survivors of a meteorite impact in Shibuya with no recollection of the Borderlands.

Read more on Salon

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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• memoir 
• remembrance 
• reminiscence