Flashback: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to a sudden, vivid memory of a past event, often traumatic or significant, that interrupts the present. Commonly used in psychological contexts or narrative storytelling.

• He had a flashback to the accident he witnessed last year.
• The movie frequently uses flashbacks to reveal the character's past.

A general term for the mental ability to store, retain, and recall information. It can be positive, negative, or neutral.

• She has a fond memory of her childhood home.
• Memory fades with age.

Refers to the action or power of recalling to mind. Often involves conscious effort to bring a past event back to mind. It can also imply a more formal or precise remembrance.

• To the best of my recollection, we met in 2010.
• His recollection of the event was surprisingly detailed.

Reflective, often nostalgic recall of past experiences. It implies a more positive or sentimental remembering of pleasant times.

• The book is filled with the author's reminiscences of growing up in the countryside.
• They spent the evening in reminiscence about their school days.

Used when someone suddenly recalls a past event, typically as a vivid image or scene. Commonly seen in storytelling, such as in books or movies, where it interrupts the current narrative to show these past events.

• She had a flashback to her childhood summers spent at her grandparents' farm
• During the meeting, he had a flashback to the first time he presented in front of a large audience

Fitting for a thoughtful examination of past events, typically with an analytical or reflective tone. It is formal and often used in discussions about lessons learned from the past.

• In retrospection, she realized how significant that decision was
• The company's retrospection allowed them to identify what went wrong in their previous campaign

Often used in a nostalgic context, indicating a pleasant journey into past memories. It is informal and usually suggests a sentimental and enjoyable recollection.

• Let's take a walk down memory lane and look at our high school yearbook
• Grandma loves taking a stroll down memory lane when she sees old family photos

Appropriate when discussing the enjoyable act of remembering, often within a reflective or contemplative conversation. It implies a fondness for the past and is more formal.

• During their reunion, there was much reminiscence about their college days
• His reminiscence of childhood adventures was heartwarming