Reminiscing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reminiscing

[ˌremɪˈnɪsɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

nostalgic memories

Indulging in enjoyable recollection of past events, often with a sense of longing or sentimentality. It involves reflecting on past experiences, moments, or relationships with fondness.

Synonyms

recall, reflect, remember, reminisce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reminiscing	Used when people are talking about their memories, often in a nostalgic or sentimental manner. We were reminiscing about our college days. Grandpa loves reminiscing about his childhood.
recall	Used to describe bringing a fact, event, or situation back into one's mind, often for a specific purpose like solving a problem or answering a question. I cannot recall where I put my keys. Can you recall the name of that song?
reminisce	Used similarly to 'reminiscing', but more formally, involving talking or writing about past experiences in a positive or sentimental way. They like to reminisce about their school days. She reminisced about the fun times they had on vacation.
remember	General term used to bring a piece of information or a memory into one's mind, often unintentionally or as part of routine activities. Do you remember our first trip together? I remember to lock the door every night.
reflect	Used when thinking deeply or carefully about something, often for self-improvement or understanding a situation. She took a moment to reflect on her actions. After the meeting, they needed time to reflect on the discussion.

Examples of usage

She spent the evening reminiscing about her childhood.
They sat by the fireplace, reminiscing about the good old days.
Reminiscing about their first date brought a smile to their faces.
I love reminiscing about the trips we took together.
Every time I listen to this song, I can't help but reminisce about our school days.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

nostalgic memories

The act of thinking or telling about past experiences that are often enjoyable and sentimental. It involves recollection and reflection on events or memories from the past.

Synonyms

memory, recollection, reflection, reminiscence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reminiscing	Used when talking about the act of thinking or talking about past experiences, often in a sentimental or nostalgic way. We spent the evening reminiscing about our school days. Grandpa loves reminiscing about his youth.
recollection	Often used when referring to a specific memory that one can recall. It might imply some effort to remember something. To the best of my recollection, we met in 2005. He had no recollection of the event.
reminiscence	An act of recollecting past experiences or events, typically used in a more formal or literary context than 'reminiscing'. His book is filled with reminiscences of his time in the army. The letter contained sweet reminiscences of their shared past.
memory	Refers to the ability to recall past experiences or information. It can be general or specific. She has a great memory for names. One of my favorite childhood memories is spending summers at my grandmother's house.
reflection	Used when thinking deeply or carefully about something, which could be past events or experiences. It is often introspective. After years of reflection, she decided to change her career. His reflections on the past year were quite profound.

Examples of usage

His reminiscing about the good old days brought tears to his eyes.
She enjoys the reminiscing that happens when the family gathers together.
The book is filled with the author's reminiscing about growing up in a small town.
Reminiscing can be a comforting way to cope with difficult times.
The group sat around the campfire, engaging in heartfelt reminiscing.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research shows that reminiscing can boost mood by reinforcing positive feelings about experiences.
Reflecting on happy memories helps in processing emotions and can improve overall mental health.
Reminiscing with others strengthens social bonds and increases feelings of connectedness.

Literature

The act of reminiscing is a common theme in literature, often used to explore characters’ pasts.
Many poems celebrate the beauty of looking back, emphasizing nostalgia and the passage of time.
Notable literary works, like 'To the Lighthouse' by Virginia Woolf, focus heavily on characters’ memories.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, storytelling is a way of reminiscing, where elders share memories with younger generations.
Family gatherings often include reminiscing, as people share anecdotes and recall shared experiences.
Some cultures have dedicated festivals to honor loved ones, where reminiscing plays a central role.

Pop Culture

Songs and movies frequently revolve around themes of reminiscing, evoking personal memories for the audience.
Reality TV shows often feature segments where participants reminisce about their journeys and experiences.
Social media has transformed reminiscing, allowing users to revisit and share memories through photos and posts.

Origin of 'reminiscing'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'reminisci', which means 'to remember' or 'to call to mind'.
It entered the English language in the early 19th century, evolving into its modern form.
The prefix 're-' suggests a returning to thoughts or memories.

The word 'reminiscing' originates from the Latin word 'reminiscere,' which means 'to remember.' It has been used in the English language since the 17th century. The act of reminiscing has long been a part of human culture, with people often sharing stories and memories to connect with one another. The nostalgic and sentimental nature of reminiscing allows individuals to revisit cherished moments and reflect on the passage of time.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,833, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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