reminisce
rem-uh-NISS
ˌrɛmɪˈnɪs
To indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events, typically in a social context.
This word carries a positive, often sentimental connotation. You don't usually reminisce about a car accident; you reminisce about childhood summers.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'reminisci,' which shares a root with 'mens' (mind). It literally means to bring something back into the mind for the sake of thinking about it again.
Word relationships
- look back: Look back is more neutral; reminisce implies enjoyment.
- disregard: Disregard implies ignoring the past rather than dwelling on it.
Commonly confused with
- remember: Remembering is a cognitive function; reminiscing is a social or emotional activity.
Word family
- reminiscence (noun): A story told about a past event remembered by the narrator.
- reminiscent (adjective): Tending to remind one of something.
Collocations
- fondly reminisce
- reminisce about the past
- stop to reminisce
Example sentences
- "They would sit on the porch for hours and reminisce about their youth in the countryside." Family gathering
- "It is pleasant to reminisce when the present is cold and the future uncertain." Literature
Memory hook
Reminisce sounds like 'Remind of Miss'—reminding yourself of someone you miss. Mindful of the past.
When not to use
Avoid using this for purely factual retrieval or for remembering negative experiences.
Fun facts
- The word 'reminiscent' is often used in food reviews to describe flavors that remind the critic of another dish.
Explore more words
celebrate, commemorate, indulge, remembrance, memento, souvenir
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