noun

anamnesis

an-am-NEE-sis

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Anamnesis (noun) means the act or ability of recalling past events to mind. Example: “The memoir is really an exercise in anamnesis, piecing together a childhood from scraps.”

noun

formal the act or ability of recalling past events to mind.

"The memoir is really an exercise in anamnesis, piecing together a childhood from scraps."

"Under hypnosis he claimed a kind of anamnesis, reliving scenes he thought he had forgotten."

"Old photographs can trigger a sudden anamnesis of places long left behind."

medical a patient's account of their own medical history, given to a doctor.

"The consultant took a careful anamnesis before ordering any tests."

"A thorough anamnesis often points to the diagnosis before a single scan is done."

"Students are trained to structure an anamnesis so nothing important is missed."

religious in Christian worship, the part of the liturgy that recalls and commemorates the death and resurrection of Christ.

"The priest recited the anamnesis just after the words of institution."

"Different churches word the anamnesis slightly differently within the eucharistic prayer."

"The choir fell silent for the anamnesis, letting the words stand alone."

How to use anamnesis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA formal word for calling something to mind, whether it is a memory, a medical history, or a religious remembrance.

When to use it

It belongs to medical, religious and philosophical writing rather than everyday conversation.

Memory tip

Remember it shares a root with amnesia, but means the opposite: calling to mind rather than losing memory.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

amnesia →

Common pairings

take an anamnesis a detailed anamnesis the anamnesis of the mass

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “anamnesis” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The memoir is really an exercise in _____, piecing together a childhood from scraps.

Etymology

Anamnesis is a learned borrowing from Ancient Greek, where it meant remembrance. It comes from a verb meaning to call something to mind, itself built from a prefix meaning up or again joined to a root meaning to remember.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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recollection remembrance

Related words

memory anniversary recognition recall memorial remembering remembrance commemoration

Rhymes for anamnesis

thesis nemesis genesis exegesis diaeresis apheresis synthesis antithesis epenthesis hypothesis prosthesis abiogenesis

See all rhymes for anamnesis →

Frequently asked questions

What does anamnesis mean in medicine?

It is the history a patient gives a doctor about their own health and symptoms, used to help reach a diagnosis.

What is anamnesis in a religious sense?

It refers to the part of a church service, especially the eucharist, where the congregation formally recalls Christ's death and resurrection.

Is anamnesis just a fancy word for memory?

Broadly yes, it refers to the act of recollection, though it is mostly used in specialist medical, religious or philosophical contexts rather than everyday speech.

What is the meaning of anamnesis?

"anamnesis" (noun) means the act or ability of recalling past events to mind.

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memory anniversary recognition recall memorial remembering remembrance commemoration