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Recollect Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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recollect

[ˌrɪˈkɒlɛkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

memory

Recall from memory; remember.

Synonyms

recall, remember, reminisce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recollect

Usually used when trying to bring specific details or events back to mind, often through deliberate effort.

  • She tried to recollect where she had seen the man before.
  • I can't recollect the exact details of the meeting.
remember

General use for when you keep something in mind or bring something back into mind with little effort. Often used in everyday contexts.

  • I always remember my mother's advice.
  • Do you remember where you left your keys?
recall

Typically used when bringing something back into one's mind from memory. It can be used both in casual and formal contexts.

  • Can you recall what happened last night?
  • He was asked to recall his experiences in the army.
reminisce

Used when talking about the pleasure of recalling past events, often shared with others. It has a nostalgic or reflective tone.

  • We sat by the fire and reminisced about our school days.
  • Grandpa loves to reminisce about his childhood.

Examples of usage

  • He was trying to recollect the name of the town.
  • I couldn't recollect where I had seen her before.
Context #2 | Verb

memory

Retrieve or recover (something) from memory; recall.

Synonyms

recall, remember.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
recollect

Use 'recollect' when you are trying to bring back to mind more detailed or specific information, often with some effort. It can imply a deliberate or thoughtful process of remembering.

  • I can't recollect where I left my keys last night.
  • She tried to recollect every detail of the conversation they had.
recall

Use 'recall' when you want to describe the act of bringing a memory back to mind, often promptly and without much effort. It can also be used in formal or structured settings.

  • I can recall the first time we met.
  • Do you recall what the meeting agenda was?
remember

Use 'remember' for general situations when you bring any information back to mind. It’s the most commonly used term for this purpose and is versatile for various contexts.

  • Do you remember her name?
  • I always remember to lock the door before leaving.

Examples of usage

  • She tried to recollect her dream.
  • I can't recollect what I did last night.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Memory works in layers, where recollecting involves accessing different parts of our brain that store past experiences.
  • Emotional connections can enhance our ability to recollect specific events or details.
  • The act of recollecting can sometimes help in creating new memories, reinforcing what we’ve learned.

Literature

  • Recollection is a common theme in storytelling, often used by characters to reflect on their journeys or growth.
  • Many authors, like Marcel Proust, emphasize the importance of recollection in understanding one's identity and experiences.
  • In poetry, recollection can evoke nostalgia and emotion, painting vivid imagery of the past.

Cultural References

  • In various cultures, rituals and traditions often invoke recollection, helping communities to remember their history.
  • Songs and folklore serve as tools for community recollection, passing down stories and values through generations.
  • Artworks can trigger personal recollections, often evoking feelings associated with the time or place depicted.

Technology

  • In the digital age, tools like social media can aid in collective recollection by sharing memories and experiences.
  • Artificial intelligence is being developed to help enhance human recollection by organizing and recalling information more effectively.
  • The concept of 'memory' in technology, such as storage and caching, mirrors human recollection processes.

Origin of 'recollect'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Recollect' comes from the Latin word 'recollectus,' which means to gather or bring back together.
  • The prefix 're-' in 'recollect' suggests doing something again, while 'collect' implies bringing together.
  • The term has evolved over centuries, reflecting our changing understanding of memory and thought.

The word 'recollect' originated from the Latin word 'recollectus', which means 'to gather'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, it has evolved to represent the act of recalling or remembering something from memory. The term has been used in various contexts, especially in the field of psychology and memory studies.

See also: collect, collectables, collected, collectible, collectibles, collecting, collection, collective, collectively, collectivize, collector.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,605 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.