reminiscence
C1Formal to neutral; common in literary, academic, and personal narrative contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A memory or the act of recalling past events, experiences, or people, often with a sense of nostalgia.
1) A characteristic or trace reminiscent of something else (e.g., 'the house bore reminiscences of Georgian architecture'). 2) (In plural) A collection of memories or anecdotes, often shared in conversation or writing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries a connotation of pleasurable, wistful, or reflective recall rather than mere factual memory. It often implies sharing or narrating these memories.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more literary/formal in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency, though perhaps slightly more common in UK literary contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
reminiscence about/of [something/someone]reminiscence that [clause][noun] is a reminiscence of [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a trip down memory lane (informal equivalent)”
- “indulge in reminiscence”
- “lost in reminiscence”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might appear in narratives about company history or founder stories.
Academic
Common in psychology (memory studies), literature, history, and autobiographical studies.
Everyday
Used in personal conversations about the past, especially among older generations.
Technical
In psychology/psychiatry, can refer to vivid, detailed recall of past experiences.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They would often reminisce about their university days over a pint.
- Grandad loves to reminisce on his time in the Royal Navy.
American English
- They often reminisce about college days over coffee.
- My grandmother loves to reminisce about her childhood on the farm.
adverb
British English
- He spoke reminiscently of his travels abroad.
- She smiled reminiscently, lost in thought.
American English
- He spoke reminiscently of his time in the army.
- She looked at the photo reminiscently.
adjective
British English
- The scene was strongly reminiscent of a Turner painting.
- His style is reminiscent of the great Victorian novelists.
American English
- The decor was reminiscent of a 1950s diner.
- Her voice is reminiscent of early jazz singers.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His stories are full of interesting reminiscences.
- The old photo brought back happy reminiscences.
- The evening was spent in fond reminiscence of our school years.
- There's a reminiscence of Gothic style in the building's arches.
- Her memoir is not a strict autobiography but a collection of literary reminiscences.
- The composer's later work contains clear reminiscences of motifs from his early period.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REMINISCENCE = REMemberING + esSENCE. It's the essence of remembering.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PAST IS A TREASURE CHEST (from which we retrieve reminiscences). / MEMORY IS A NARRATIVE (we construct and share reminiscences).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'напоминание' (reminder). 'Reminiscence' is 'воспоминание' with a nuance of nostalgia or reflection.
- The plural 'reminiscences' often translates as 'мемуары' or 'воспоминания' (as a collection).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I have a reminiscence to tell you.' Correct: 'I have a reminiscence/anecdote/memory to share.'
- Confusing verb form: 'to reminisce' is the verb; 'reminiscence' is the noun.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the core connotation of 'reminiscence'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Memory' is the broader, neutral term for anything retained from the past. 'Reminiscence' implies a conscious, often pleasurable, act of recalling or sharing memories, usually with a narrative or reflective quality.
Typically, yes. It carries connotations of nostalgia, warmth, and reflection. While memories can be negative, 'reminiscence' often suggests a positive or bittersweet emotional tone.
Yes, very commonly. 'Reminiscences' often refers to a collection of remembered experiences or anecdotes, sometimes shared in a book or conversation.
The verb is 'to reminisce' (/ˌrɛmɪˈnɪs/). Example: 'They reminisced about the old days.'
Explore