Reminiscently: meaning, definitions and examples

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reminiscently

 

[ ˌrɛmɪˈnɪsəntli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

evocative reflection

In a manner that brings to mind a memory or reminds one of something from the past. It is often used to describe actions or thoughts that evoke nostalgia or a reminder of a previous experience.

Synonyms

nostalgically, reflectively, rememoratively

Examples of usage

  • The old song played reminiscently, transporting her back to her youth.
  • He spoke reminiscently of the days spent on the farm.
  • She smiled reminiscently, thinking of her childhood friends.

Etymology

The word 'reminiscently' is derived from the root word 'reminisce', which has its origins in the Latin term 'reminisci', meaning 'to remember’. The prefix 're-' suggests a backward motion, while 'minis-' relates to the process of recalling or bringing to mind. The adverbial form 'reminiscently' came into use in English by the late 19th century, characterized by a sense of firm mental connection to the past. It embodies both the action of recalling and an emotional quality often associated with nostalgia. The development of the word reflects human experiences with memory and the emotional responses that memories can invoke, which are crucial to personal identity and storytelling.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,032, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.