reminiscence

USAGE SUMMARY

"reminiscence" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a noun to describe fond memories, or a recollection of a past experience. For example, "As I sat in the park, I experienced a powerful reminiscence of my childhood".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This picnic-basket of reminiscence is filled with memories of childhood, schooldays, early travels and young love (see review).

The Economist

Regularly outgrossing all but a few of Broadway's biggest musicals, Mr Crystal's funny yet poignant reminiscence is a show that is made to order for New York audiences, who are responding in kind.

The Economist

The prime minister began with a reminiscence about his only previous visit to Russia, in 1985, in his GAP year between Eton and Oxford, and how the country had changed.

The Economist

Mixing reminiscence, self-justification and philosophical musings, Max Aue describes his work with a German death squad during the invasion of the Soviet Union.

The Economist

"I was still young enough to believe that the important questions had been answered somewhere," he muses, a reminiscence with hard edges.

The Economist

Mr Buruma's fluency the ease and erudition with which he mixes anecdote, personal reminiscence and reportage should not disguise the seriousness of his book.

The Economist

She published an autobiography, Growing Pains, in 1977; the collection The Rendezvous and Other Stories in 1980; and a literary reminiscence, The Rebecca Notebook and Other Memories, in 1981.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The reminiscence Our Friend James Joyce (1959) was written with his wife Mary (1887 1957), a well-known literary critic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The name was undoubtedly chosen in reminiscence of two former kings of Assyria, particularly in commemoration of Sargon of Akkad (flourished 2300 bc).

Encyclopedia Britannica

After writing Farmer Boy (1933), a book about her husband's childhood, she published Little House on the Prairie (1935), a reminiscence of her family's stay in Indian Territory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Wherever reminiscence goes, warm-up seems to follow; yet the converse does not always hold.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reminiscence" to add a touch of elegance and depth when referring to memories, especially in formal writing or when describing a fond recollection. Be mindful of the context to ensure it fits the tone.

Common error

Avoid using "reminiscence" when you specifically want to convey a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, which is better captured by the word "nostalgia". Reminiscence is a broader term for simply remembering.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reminiscence" is as a noun, referring to the act of remembering or a memory itself. Ludwig examples show its use in describing books, conversations, or personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

6%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reminiscence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that refers to the act of remembering past experiences. According to Ludwig, it is appropriate for use in a wide array of contexts, primarily found in news, encyclopedias and scientific publications. While there are less formal synonyms like "remembering" or "recalling", "reminiscence" carries a more sophisticated tone. Be careful not to confuse it with "nostalgia" which embodies a sentimental yearning. To enhance clarity in your writing, consider contexts that can benefit from the precision and nuance offered by this elegant term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recollection

Focuses more on the act of recalling something specific, often a memory.

memory

A more general term for the ability to recall past events or experiences.

reminiscing

The act of indulging in pleasant memories.

thinking back

A simpler, more informal way to describe remembering something.

recalling

Emphasizes the effort of bringing something back to mind.

remembering

A basic term for being conscious of a past event.

evocation

Suggests a powerful and vivid remembering, often triggered by something.

flashback

Implies a sudden and intense memory, often involuntary.

nostalgia

A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past.

reflection

A more thoughtful and considered remembering of past experiences.

FAQs

How can I use "reminiscence" in a sentence?

You can use "reminiscence" as a noun to describe the act of remembering past experiences. For example, "The old photographs triggered a flood of "reminiscence"" or "His book is filled with personal "reminiscence"."

What's a good alternative to using the word "reminiscence"?

Depending on the context, you can use "recollection", "memory", or "reminiscing" as alternatives to "reminiscence". Each word carries slightly different nuances, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is "reminiscence" a formal word?

"Reminiscence" is generally considered a more formal and sophisticated word compared to simpler alternatives like "remembering" or "thinking back". It adds a touch of elegance to your writing or speech.

What is the difference between "reminiscence" and "nostalgia"?

"Reminiscence" refers to the act of recalling or remembering past experiences, while "nostalgia" specifically implies a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past. Reminiscence is a more neutral term, while nostalgia carries emotional weight.