What does "recollection" mean?
The act of recollecting, or recalling to the memory; the act of recalling to memory.
Recollection
/ɹɛkəˈlɛkʃən/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of recollecting, or recalling to the memory; the act of recalling to memory.
- Grammar: recollection is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: recall, remembrance, memory, reminiscence.
- Useful contrasts: erase memory, expunging, forgetfulness.
- Usage evidence: It is just my recollection that there remained no more than 20 people in the village.
How to use "recollection"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "recollection" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "recollection" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "recollection" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "recollection" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "recollection" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "recall" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "recollection", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of recollecting, or recalling to the memory; the act of recalling to memory. uncountable, usually
- 2 Process of collecting again. countable, uncountable
- 3 the process of remembering (especially the process of recovering information by mental effort) wordnet
- 4 The power of recalling ideas to the mind, or the period within which things can be recollected; remembrance. uncountable, usually
"Alas that distant event isn't within my recollection anymore."
- 5 the ability to recall past occurrences wordnet
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 That which is recollected; something called to mind; a reminiscence. uncountable, usually
"One of his earliest recollections."
- 7 something recalled to the mind wordnet
- 8 The act or practice of collecting or concentrating the mind; concentration; self-control. archaic, uncountable, usually
"From such an education Charles contracted habits of gravity and recollection."
- 9 A spiritual retreat, especially one that is short. uncountable, usually
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"It is just my recollection that there remained no more than 20 people in the village."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "recollection"?
Common synonyms include: recall, remembrance, memory, reminiscence, affect memory, anamnesis.
How do you use "recollection" in a sentence?
It is just my recollection that there remained no more than 20 people in the village.
How do you pronounce "recollection"?
Pronounced /ɹɛkəˈlɛkʃən/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Via French récollection or the verb recollect, both from Latin recollectus, the past participle of recolligere (“to collect again”), itself from re- + colligere (“to gather”).
Etymology 2
From re- + collection.