Recollecting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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recollecting

[ˌrɛkəˈlɛktɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

memory

Recalling something from memory.

Synonyms

recall, remember, reminisce.

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Word Description / Examples
recollecting

Similar to recalling, but often implies a more conscious or deliberate effort to remember something.

  • He started recollecting details of his childhood.
  • Can you help me in recollecting where we parked the car?

Examples of usage

  • I have a hard time recollecting what happened last night.
  • She recollected the events of her childhood with great detail.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that recalling past experiences can significantly impact our emotional well-being.
  • Nostalgia, a fond type of recollection, has been linked to enhancing mood and increasing feelings of social connectedness.
  • Memory works in different ways; some memories are vivid and detailed, while others may be blurry and incomplete.

Literature

  • Recollecting is a common theme in literature, often used to explore a character's past and growth.
  • Famous authors often utilize recollection to convey lessons learned through characters' experiences, making readers reflect on their own lives.
  • In many cultures, storytelling itself is a form of collective recollection, preserving history and tradition.

Pop Culture

  • Songs often evoke recollection, reminiscing about relationships or important life moments, making listeners feel nostalgic.
  • TV shows frequently utilize flashbacks as a narrative device to help characters and viewers remember significant past events.
  • Social media platforms encourage recollecting memories through features like 'memories' prompts, reminding users of past posts and experiences.

Science

  • Neuroscience research indicates that recalling memories involves multiple brain regions, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
  • Our recollection can be affected by various factors, such as emotional state or contextual cues present during the original experience.
  • Studies show that the act of recollecting can physically alter the brain, reinforcing neural pathways associated with those memories.

Origin of 'recollecting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'recollect' comes from the Latin 'recollectus', which means to gather again.
  • The prefix 're-' suggests a return or repetition, while 'collect' implies gathering or bringing together.
  • The evolution of the term includes influences from Old French in the 14th century, highlighting its journey through languages.

The word 'recollecting' originated from the Latin word 'recollectus', meaning 'gathered together again'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. Over time, it has evolved to represent the act of recalling or remembering something from the past.


See also: recollection, recollections, recollective, unrecollected.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,818, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.