Recall Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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recall

[rɪˈkɔːl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

memory

To bring back into one's mind; remember.

Synonyms

recollect, remember, retrieve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recall

Used when someone is able to bring a memory to mind, often with effort or focus. Can also be used in formal contexts, such as product recalls.

  • I can recall the exact moment we first met
  • The company had to recall the defective products
remember

A general term for bringing something back to one's mind, without necessarily implying much effort. Common in everyday conversation.

  • I remember going to that park as a child
  • Do you remember his name?
recollect

Used in somewhat more formal or deliberate contexts, often emphasizing a thoughtful effort to recall past events.

  • After much thought, I recollect that it was on a rainy day
  • Can you recollect where you left your keys?
retrieve

Used when referring to accessing stored information, often in a more technical or computer-related context. Has a more mechanical or systematic connotation.

  • The database failed to retrieve the files
  • She tried to retrieve the lost documents from her email

Examples of usage

  • I can't recall where I put my keys.
  • She recalled her childhood memories while looking through old photo albums.
Context #2 | Noun

official order

An official order for someone to return to a place.

Synonyms

directive, order, summons.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recall

Use 'recall' when you need to bring back a memory or when a product is being sent back due to some defect.

  • I recall visiting my grandparents every summer
  • The company issued a recall on the latest car model due to a safety issue
summons

Use 'summons' typically in legal or official contexts, where someone is being called to appear, often in court.

  • He received a summons to appear in court next month
  • A police officer delivered the summons directly to his house
directive

Choose 'directive' in formal or official scenarios where commands or instructions need to be given with authority.

  • The manager issued a directive to complete all pending tasks by the end of the week
order

Use 'order' for commands given by someone in authority in both formal and informal settings.

  • The general gave the order to advance
  • She placed an order for a new batch of supplies

Examples of usage

  • The army issued a recall for all soldiers to return to base.
  • The company issued a recall for a faulty product.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Memory is often categorized into three types: recall, recognition, and relearning, with recall being the retrieval of information without hints.
  • The act of recalling can be influenced by emotions; memories linked to strong feelings are usually easier to remember.
  • Research suggests that practicing recall strengthens neural connections, making it easier to remember information in the future.

Education

  • Active recall is a study technique where you test yourself on the material you need to learn, enhancing long-term retention.
  • Flashcards are a popular tool for recall, providing a way to quiz yourself and reinforce learning through spaced repetition.
  • Research shows that students who practice recall-based studying often outperform their peers in exams.

Technology

  • In artificial intelligence, models designed for recall can retrieve information from vast datasets, mimicking human memory.
  • Search engines utilize recall in retrieving relevant information based on the queries entered by users.
  • Virtual assistants use recall to remember previous interactions, allowing for more tailored responses in future conversations.

Cognitive Science

  • Studies indicate that recall is a complex process involving various brain regions, particularly the hippocampus.
  • The phenomenon of 'tip-of-the-tongue' occurs when you know the information but can't immediately retrieve it, highlighting the intricacies of memory recall.
  • Different methods of encoding information can affect how easily it can be recalled later; for example, visual cues often enhance recall more than auditory cues.

Cultural Aspects

  • In various cultures, storytelling serves as a way of preserving memories, allowing for communal recall of shared histories and experiences.
  • Recall is often celebrated in traditions through rituals, where participants remember ancestors or historical events to maintain cultural identity.
  • In literature, characters often undergo journeys of recall as they face their past, symbolizing personal growth and understanding.

Origin of 'recall'

The word 'recall' originated from the Latin word 're-' meaning back and 'callare' meaning to call. It first appeared in the English language in the 16th century. Over time, 'recall' has evolved to encompass both the act of remembering and the official order to return.


See also: call, caller, calling, callous, calls, callus.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,042, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.