Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Recalling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔙
Add to dictionary

recalling

[rɪˈkɔːlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

memory

Bringing something back to the mind; remembering.

Synonyms

recollecting, remembering, reminiscing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
recalling

Used when someone actively tries to bring a specific memory or piece of information back to their mind.

  • He had trouble recalling the name of his first grade teacher
remembering

General term for bringing something back to mind, whether spontaneously or through effort.

  • She suddenly started remembering the good times they had together
reminiscing

Used when someone is fondly recalling past experiences, usually with a sense of nostalgia.

  • They spent the evening reminiscing about their college days
recollecting

Often used when trying to bring back a memory, especially after some effort. Sometimes it implies piecing together fragmented memories.

  • After some thinking, she started recollecting events from her childhood

Examples of usage

  • She was recalling the events of that day.
  • He had trouble recalling her name.
  • The smell of the cookies was recalling memories of his childhood.
Context #2 | Verb

product

To request the return of a defective product.

Synonyms

bring back, retrieve, withdraw.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
recalling

Used when thinking about a memory or past event.

  • She was recalling her childhood days with great fondness
withdraw

Used when taking something out of a place or situation; can have a negative connotation when referring to removing oneself from a social situation or commitment.

  • She decided to withdraw her investment from the company
retrieve

Typically used when getting something back, especially from a repository or a stored location.

  • He managed to retrieve the files from the damaged hard drive
bring back

Often used to describe something that causes one to remember memories or feelings from the past.

  • Seeing the old photos brought back memories of their school days

Examples of usage

  • The company is recalling the faulty phones for repairs.
  • The manufacturer recalled the contaminated food products.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cognitive Science

  • Recalling is a process where our brain retrieves information from memories, which can be influenced by emotions and context.
  • There are two main types of memory: short-term (like remembering a phone number) and long-term (like knowing your best friend's name).
  • Sometimes, when recalling, our brains can mix up details, making memories seem different from how they really were.

Psychology

  • Studies show that recalling events can depend on cues, which are hints that help trigger memories, such as smells or sounds.
  • The act of recalling can change the memory itself, making it more vivid or even slightly altering it each time we remember.
  • Retrieving memories can evoke strong feelings, showing how intertwined our emotions are with what we remember.

Education

  • Recalling information plays a crucial role in learning; the more you retrieve information, the better you understand and remember it in the long run.
  • Techniques like flashcards or teaching someone else can enhance your ability to recall material effectively.
  • Repetition is key; the more often you recall information, the stronger those memory connections become.

History

  • The concept of recalling dates back to ancient Greece, where philosophers studied memory and its impact on knowledge.
  • In the 19th century, psychologists began exploring how memories are formed and recalled, laying the foundations for modern cognitive psychology.
  • Historical figures like Aristotle and Plato reflected on the nature of memory, influencing how we understand recalling today.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, characters often go through journeys of recalling lost memories, which can drive plots and character development.
  • Several popular songs center around the theme of recalling past relationships and experiences, resonating with many listeners.
  • The term 'deja vu' describes a unique feeling where recalling an experience feels like it has happened before, often creating a sense of mystery.

Origin of 'recalling'

The word 'recalling' originates from the Middle English word 'recallen', which means 'to summon back'. The prefix 're-' suggests repetition, while 'call' comes from the Old Norse 'kalla', meaning 'to call, shout'. The sense of remembering or bringing something back to mind developed in the late 16th century. In the context of product recalls, the term gained popularity in the mid-20th century with the rise of consumer protection laws.

See also: recallable, recalled.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,168, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.