Reminisce: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe fondly remembering and sharing stories from the past, often with a sense of nostalgia.

• We often reminisce about our college days when we get together.
• Grandma loves to reminisce about her childhood.

A general term for being able to bring something to mind, without specific emphasis on nostalgia, accuracy, or depth of thought.

• Do you remember where you parked the car?
• I remember meeting her at the party.

Used when trying to bring a specific piece of information back to mind, often with a focus on accuracy.

• I recall meeting her at the conference last year.
• Can you recall the last time you saw your keys?

Used similarly to 'recall', but often feels slightly more formal or deliberate in trying to remember something.

• I can't recollect his exact words, but he seemed very confident.
• Do you recollect the time we went hiking?

Used when thinking deeply or considering carefully about past events or experiences.

• He took a moment to reflect on his actions.
• Reflecting on her career, she made some important decisions.

This word is often used when someone is recalling pleasant memories or sharing past experiences, usually with a sense of fondness.

• We sat around the campfire and reminisced about our college days.
• During family gatherings, my grandparents love to reminisce about their childhood.

This word is used to describe something that reminds you of something else, or something that brings back memories of the past.

• The old house had a smell reminiscent of my childhood home.
• His voice is reminiscent of his late father's.

Use this word when expressing a longing or wistful affection for the past. It often carries a bittersweet emotional tone.

• Looking at old photographs makes me feel nostalgic about the summers we spent at our grandma's house.
• Listening to that song brings a nostalgic feeling from my teenage years.

Use this word to describe a state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts, often related to daydreaming.

• She was lost in reverie, thinking about her recent vacation.
• His mind was in a reverie as he gazed out of the window.

Talking about happy memories or experiences.

• They sat by the fire, reminiscing about their college days.
• During family gatherings, we love to reminisce about our childhood adventures.

General term for things that people remember.

• Her memory of the event was vivid.
• I have fond memories of our summer vacations.

The act of remembering something more formal or specific.

• To the best of my recollection, the meeting was scheduled for 3 PM.
• His recollection of the story was detailed and precise.

More formal term for talking about past memories.

• His book is filled with reminiscences of his childhood.
• The old friends exchanged reminiscences about their school years.

Thinking deeply about past experiences or events.

• In moments of quiet reflection, he often thought about his life choices.
• Her reflection on her journey helped her understand herself better.