Reminisce Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reminisce

[ˌrɛmɪˈnɪs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in memories

Indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events.

Synonyms

recall, recollect, reflect, remember.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reminisce	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.
remember	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.
recall	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?
recollect	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?
reflect	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.

Examples of usage

I spent the evening reminiscing about the good old days.
She reminisces about her childhood every time she visits her hometown.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

nostalgia

Talk or write about past experiences that you remember with pleasure.

Synonyms

nostalgic, reminiscent, reverie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reminisce	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.
reminiscent	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.
nostalgic	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.
reverie	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.

Examples of usage

Grandma loves to reminisce about the summers she spent in the countryside.
Every time we meet, they reminisce about their trip to Paris.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

memories

The act or process of recalling past experiences, events, or feelings.

Synonyms

memory, recollection, reflection, reminiscence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reminisce	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.
memory	General term for things that people remember. Her memory of the event was vivid. I have fond memories of our summer vacations.
recollection	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.
reminiscence	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.
reflection	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.

Examples of usage

Her reminiscences of her youth are filled with laughter and joy.
The book is a collection of his reminiscences from his time as a soldier.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research shows that reminiscing can improve mood and strengthen relationships by sharing experiences.
Nostalgia, often triggered by reminiscing, can reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
Positive recollections from the past can enhance emotional well-being and even promote resilience.

Literature

Many authors use reminiscence as a narrative device to reveal character backstories and themes.
Classic novels frequently explore reminiscence, allowing characters to reflect on their past decisions and regrets.
The concept of reminiscing appears in poetry, where memories evoke emotions and imagery connected to the past.

Popular Culture

TV shows and movies often portray characters reminiscing to spark dramatic revelations or emotional connections.
There are entire documentaries focusing on reminiscence, showcasing people's reflections on significant historical events.
Social media has introduced a modern twist to reminiscing, where people share memories through posts and photos.

Origin of 'reminisce'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'reminisci', meaning 'to remember' or 'to recall'.
In English, it first appeared in the early 1800s, emphasizing the act of remembering fondly.
The prefix 're-' indicates doing something again, highlighting a return to past memories.

The word 'reminisce' originated from the Latin word 'reminisci', which means 'to remember'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century. The act of reminiscing has always been a way for humans to connect with their past, share stories, and preserve memories. Reminiscing is a common practice in many cultures and plays a significant role in personal and social identity.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,750 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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