reminisces - Master This Word
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reminisces Word Meanings
- to recall past experiences
- to think about the past fondly
- to indulge in nostalgia
reminisces Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
reminisces Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌrɛm.ɪˈnɪs/
US
/ˌrɛm.əˈnɪs/
reminisces Word Etymology
re- = again + miniscere = to remember. Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine sitting around a warm fire, sharing stories from years gone by, each tale bringing back vivid memories like photos coming to life.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Reminisce is a verb meaning to recall past experiences, to think about the past fondly, or to indulge in nostalgia. It is commonly used when talking about pleasant memories you revisit with warmth, often with another person as you share stories. In English you say 'reminisce about' something (or 'reminisce with someone'), rather than simply 'remember' something, because reminiscence emphasizes reflection and emotion. The act can be triggered by sights, songs, places, or conversations that bring the past to life. The tense is flexible: you can reminisce in the moment, or reminisce about a period you lived through in the past.
Usage Reminders
- Remember to use reminisce about or reminisce with someone; avoid using reminisce alone. Think of nostalgia and warmth, not just a simple memory. The phrase often appears in conversations, storytelling, or reflections on a specific period. Note how tense changes: reminisce (present), reminisced (past). It’s more emotional than remember. Don’t overuse in formal writing; reserve for casual or reflective tones.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing reminisce with remember; remember is neutral and often shorter.
- Using reminisce alone without about or with is unidiomatic.
- Assuming it always refers to pleasant memories; it can also involve bittersweet nostalgia.
- Mistaking it for recalling future events; reminiscence is about the past.
- Over-literal translation from learner's own language—prepositions and emotional nuance are key.
Thinking Differences
Reminisce tends to be more emotive and storytelling-driven in English; learners often conflate it with remember or think about, forgetting the reflective, nostalgic nuance and the common collocations with about or with.
Learning Tips
- Practice reminisce about different life periods to feel the emotional nuance.
- Pair with a trigger: a photo, song, or place to spark reminiscence.
- Compare remember vs reminisce to feel the distinction in tone.
- Use reminisce in storytelling to share vivid memories with warmth.
- Experiment with tense: reminisce about the past; reminisced for past recollections.
- Watch or read memoirs and note any collocations with about or with.
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