recollect
reh-kuh-LEHKT
Recollect (verb) means to bring a past memory back to mind; to remember, often with some effort. Example: “I can't quite recollect where I left my keys.”
verb
1
To bring a past memory back to mind; to remember, often with some effort.
"I can't quite recollect where I left my keys."
"She recollected the day they first met."
How to use recollect
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo remember something, especially by making an effort to recall it.
Common mistake
Similar to "remember" but often implies more deliberate effort to recall detail, as opposed to something that just comes to mind automatically.
Common pairings
as far as I recollect
recollect the details
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- recollects
- Past tense
- recollected
Fill the gap
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I can't quite _____ where I left my keys.
Etymology
From Latin recolligere, "to gather again," from re- ("again") and colligere ("to collect, gather"). Formed the same way as "recollection."
Related words
Rhymes for recollect
See all rhymes for recollect →Frequently asked questions
What does “recollect” mean?
The word “recollect” means to bring a past memory back to mind; to remember, often with some effort. In plain terms, to remember something, especially by making an effort to recall it.
How do you pronounce “recollect”?
“Recollect” is pronounced reh-kuh-LEHKT (/ɹɛkəˈlɛkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “recollect” in a sentence?
Here is “recollect” used in a sentence: “I can't quite recollect where I left my keys.”
What part of speech is “recollect”?
“Recollect” is a verb.
Where does the word “recollect” come from?
The word “recollect” comes from Latin. From Latin recolligere, "to gather again," from re- ("again") and colligere ("to collect, gather"). Formed the same way as "recollection.".
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