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

A little organ music, awkward reminiscences, and nothing accomplished.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In the most dramatic cases, people who have been unable to communicate or even recognize their spouses or children for years suddenly become alert and exhibit their former personalities, complete with reminiscences and incisive questions.

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

Read more on 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.”

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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.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• anecdote 
• recollection 
• remembrance