recollection

recollection — noun

1. a particular memory of a past event, person, or place that comes back into your

1.nounB2
Definition

a particular memory of a past event, person, or place that comes back into your mind, often with some detail

Example

Jude has a clear recollection of his first day at school.

have a [adj] recollection of + event

The old letters brought back vivid recollections of Sumin's childhood in Busan.

vivid recollections of + childhood place

Common collocations
  • clear recollection of
  • vivid recollection of
  • vague recollection of
  • faint recollection of
  • earliest recollection
  • childhood recollection
  • have no recollection of
Synonyms
  • memory

    more general and common; 'recollection' often suggests a slightly more distant or effortful recall

  • reminiscence

    often implies a pleasant, nostalgic, or sentimental memory from the distant past

  • recall

    more formal and technical; also used in computing and psychology contexts

Antonyms
  • forgetfulness

    the state of being unable to remember, rather than a specific forgotten memory

  • oblivion

    literary term for the state of being completely forgotten

Grammar Patterns

possessive + recollection + of + noun/gerund

have a/no recollection of + noun/gerund

recollection + that-clause

Usage Note

Often modified by adjectives that describe clarity (clear, vivid, vague, faint, dim). The negative construction 'have no recollection of' is common in formal contexts, such as police statements or legal testimony.

Common Mistakes

I have a good recollection about the party.
I have a good recollection of the party.
'recollection' takes the preposition 'of', not 'about'.
She has a recollection that the door was locked.
She has a recollection of the door being locked.
'recollection' is rarely followed directly by a that-clause in natural English; 'recall' or 'remember' work better with that-clauses.

2. the power to bring past events, facts, or experiences back into your conscious m

2.nounB2
Definition

the power to bring past events, facts, or experiences back into your conscious mind

Example

Nellie does daily crossword puzzles to keep her recollection sharp and active.

keep (one's) recollection + adjective

Yan's recollection of historical dates is remarkably accurate for someone his age.

Common collocations
  • sharp recollection
  • poor recollection
  • recollection + fades/weakens
  • recollection + improves/sharpen
  • rely on someone's recollection
  • test someone's recollection
Synonyms
  • memory

    the everyday word for the mental ability; 'recollection' sounds slightly more formal

  • recall

    more technical, often used in psychology and computing; 'total recall' means perfect memory

  • remembrance

    formal and often used in ceremonial or commemorative contexts

Antonyms
  • amnesia

    medical term for severe loss of memory, often from injury or illness

  • forgetfulness

    the tendency to forget things; less severe than amnesia

Grammar Patterns

possessive + recollection

recollection + of + noun phrase

adjective + recollection

Usage Note

Uncountable in this sense — do not use 'a recollection' when referring to the general ability to remember. Frequently appears with verbs describing change (improve, weaken, fade, sharpen) or assessment (test, rely on, doubt).

Common Mistakes

My grandmother has a sharp recollection.' (when meaning ability)
My grandmother has sharp recollection.
When 'recollection' refers to the ability, it is uncountable and does not take an article.
His recollection about names is poor.
His recollection of names is poor.
Use 'of', not 'about', to connect 'recollection' with what is remembered.

Word family

  • recollect
    verbB2
  • recollective
    adjectiveC1
  • irrecollectible
    adjectiveC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These four words all relate to remembering the past, but they differ in formality, scope, and emotional colour. 'Memory' (A2) is the broadest and most everyday word — it covers both the general ability (sense 2) and specific past experiences (sense 1). 'Recollection' (B2) is more deliberate and often suggests an effort to bring something to mind — it tends to be used when the memory is somewhat distant or requires mental effort. 'Reminiscence' (C1) carries a strong sense of nostalgia and pleasure, and often implies sharing memories with others ('They spent the evening in happy reminiscence'). 'Recall' (B2) is more formal and technical, common in psychology, computing, and legal contexts — it focuses on the act of retrieving information. In everyday conversation, use 'memory' for most situations. Use 'recollection' when emphasising the act of trying to remember, or in more formal statements ('I have no recollection of that event'). Use 'reminiscence' for warm, shared memories of the past.

recollection ↗memory ↗reminiscencerecall ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • have (no) recollection of
  • bring back recollections
  • fade from recollection

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

'Recollection' entered English in the late 16th century, borrowed from French 'récollection', which came from Latin 'recollectio', meaning 'a gathering together again'. The Latin root combines 're-' ('again') and 'colligere' ('to gather, collect'). The original sense was religious — a 'recollection' was a period of spiritual retreat or meditation where one 'gathered together' one's thoughts. By the 17th century, the meaning shifted toward the mental act of gathering past experiences back into the mind, giving us the modern sense of both a specific memory and the ability to remember.