reminisce

USAGE SUMMARY

'reminisce' is a valid word in written English.
It is a verb meaning to remember and recount past experiences with fondness or nostalgia. For example, you might say, "I like to reminisce about my childhood with my family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So after, election the backrooms will probably fill up again, coalitions may form and collapse, and the Japanese may well start- to reminisce about the stability of the good old LDP days.

The Economist

This was the cue for some corny reminisce.

The Economist

A few retired politicians were dragged out to reminisce about slights suffered at the hands of the perfidious Frogs.

The Economist

But other members are still in Managua and get together at times to reminisce over the good old days.And maybe more than reminisce?

The Economist

The film appears at first to be about very little, as two friends meet and reminisce about the girl they both once dated.

The Economist

Another scene follows the reunion of a middle-aged man and woman as they reminisce about their youthful love affair, though none of their memories seem to overlap.In this section Ladies first Lift-off Boston loves New York When the times were a-changing Top girl Fold after fold ReprintsThis dizzying play has more than 100 characters in nearly 60 scenes.

The Economist

In his television spots, citizens reminisce about the worst examples of PRI and PAN misrule, and ask if the blockade of Paseo de la Reforma was such a big deal by comparison.

The Economist

If the father is eventually captured and survives to reminisce about his past life, as sometimes happens even to dictators, he may explain why he exposed his sons to this dreadful sight.

The Economist

Anti-black racism needed no code in the pre-1960s era: "Whites Only", etc. Now, people know that it's not acceptable to reminisce about the good old days of Jim Crow.

The Economist

Illinois is the sort of state where politicians are expected to cultivate their constituencies for years, and where people reminisce about the Cook County political machine's legendary operating style in Chicago in the 1960s.

The Economist

Later, walking together by a pond, she and Wozzeck reminisce.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reminisce" when you want to convey a sense of fondness or nostalgia while recalling past events. It's particularly effective in creating a warm, reflective tone.

Common error

Avoid using "reminisce" when you simply mean to remember something without any emotional attachment. "Reminisce" carries a connotation of fondness, so use it only when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reminisce" is as an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. It describes the act of recalling past experiences, often with a sense of nostalgia or fondness. As noted by Ludwig, it is used to remember and recount past experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reminisce" is a grammatically sound verb used to describe fondly recalling past events. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It's important to use "reminisce" when there's an element of fondness or nostalgia, distinguishing it from simply remembering. Found frequently in "News & Media", and "Encyclopedias", it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Consider alternatives like "look back on" or "reflect on the past" to subtly shift the nuance. When you want to convey a sense of warmth and reflection while sharing memories, "reminisce" is your word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look back on

Focuses more on the act of reviewing past events rather than the emotional aspect.

recall memories

Emphasizes the act of bringing back specific memories.

reflect on the past

Suggests a more thoughtful and analytical consideration of past events.

think back to

Implies a casual act of remembering a specific time or event.

wax nostalgic about

Highlights the sentimental and often idealized view of the past.

recollect old times

Specifically refers to remembering past periods or eras.

muse over

Suggests a quiet and contemplative reflection on past experiences.

brood over

Implies a more negative or troubled contemplation of the past.

dwell on the past

Suggests a prolonged and potentially unproductive focus on what has already happened.

romanticize bygone days

Emphasizes an idealized and potentially unrealistic view of the past.

FAQs

How do you use "reminisce" in a sentence?

You can use "reminisce" to describe the act of recalling past experiences with fondness. For example, "They often "reminisce" about their college days".

What can I say instead of "reminisce"?

Alternatives to "reminisce" include "look back on", "recall memories", or "reflect on the past" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "reminisce about"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to use "reminisce about". It is a common and grammatically sound way to express recalling something fondly, as in "They "reminisce" about their travels".

What is the difference between "remember" and "reminisce"?

"Remember" is a general term for recalling something. "Reminisce", on the other hand, specifically implies recalling past experiences with a sense of pleasure or nostalgia. You can "remember" a fact, but you "reminisce" about a happy moment.