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” ( reminiscent ) + -ia -y ³ ( def. )

Example Sentences

There are reminiscences about the past, but no sense of the weight of lived experience.

From New York Times

She juggles reminiscence, fantasy, sociopolitical analysis and philosophical reflections as easily as she wanders in and out of pop structures, Minimalist drones and ambient assemblages.

From New York Times

Through a series of profiles, reminiscences, essays, interviews and recipes, “Why We Cook” explores many facets of women in the world of food.

From New York Times

Part of the pleasure — and conflict — in collective reminiscence is the inevitable discrepancies.

From New York Times

The show features bloopers, a trivia quiz, reminiscences from the show’s creators and some surprises.

From Reuters

Related Words

• anecdote
• recollection
• remembrance