Recollections: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about the act of recalling or remembering past events, usually with some detail and often involving specific instances.

• Her recollections of the summer trip were filled with vivid stories
• He shared his recollections of his childhood home

A general term used for the mental capacity or faculty to store, retain, and recall information or experiences. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.

• I have many happy memories from my school days
• These photos bring back so many good memories

Used more formally and often in contexts involving ceremonies, tributes, or acts of honoring someone or something from the past. May be used in contexts with a sense of respect or honor.

• We held a service of remembrance for those who lost their lives
• Her remembrances were shared during the memorial

Involves reflecting on or reminiscing about past experiences with a sense of fondness or nostalgia. Often used in a storytelling context and may be more literary.

• His book is filled with reminiscences of his travels around the world
• They spent the evening sharing reminiscences about their youth