reminiscent
reh-muh-NIHSNT
Reminiscent (adj) means bringing a particular memory or earlier thing to mind; suggestive of something else. Example: “The song's melody is reminiscent of an old folk tune.”
adj
1
Bringing a particular memory or earlier thing to mind; suggestive of something else.
"The song's melody is reminiscent of an old folk tune."
"Her cooking style is reminiscent of her grandmother's."
"The smell of fresh bread was reminiscent of lazy Sunday mornings at her aunt's house."
How to use reminiscent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that reminds you of, or feels similar to, something else.
Common mistake
Always followed by "of" — "reminiscent of," not just "reminiscent to."
Common pairings
reminiscent of
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Word forms
- Plural
- reminiscents
- Comparative
- more reminiscent
- Superlative
- most reminiscent
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The song's melody is _____ of an old folk tune.
Etymology
From Latin reminiscens, present participle of reminisci ("to remember").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “reminiscent” mean?
The word “reminiscent” means bringing a particular memory or earlier thing to mind; suggestive of something else. In plain terms, something that reminds you of, or feels similar to, something else.
How do you pronounce “reminiscent”?
“Reminiscent” is pronounced reh-muh-NIHSNT (/ˌɹɛməˈnɪsnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “reminiscent” in a sentence?
Here is “reminiscent” used in a sentence: “The song's melody is reminiscent of an old folk tune.”
What is another word for “reminiscent”?
Words with a similar meaning to “reminiscent” include evocative, redolent, remindful and resonant.
What part of speech is “reminiscent”?
“Reminiscent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “reminiscent” come from?
The word “reminiscent” comes from Latin. From Latin reminiscens, present participle of reminisci ("to remember").
Is “reminiscent” a common word?
“Reminiscent” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between reminiscent and nostalgic?
Reminiscent describes something that brings a particular memory or earlier thing to mind, and it is typically used about an object, scene, or style, as in "the music was reminiscent of the 1980s." Nostalgic describes a feeling of wistful longing for the past, and it usually describes a person's emotional state rather than a quality of an object.
How is reminiscent of used correctly in a sentence?
Reminiscent is almost always followed by 'of' plus a noun, as in "the design is reminiscent of Art Deco architecture." Dropping the 'of' or using a different preposition is a common mistake, since 'reminiscent' cannot directly take an object on its own.
When should you use reminiscent instead of similar?
Similar simply states that two things share qualities, while reminiscent adds the idea that one thing actively calls the other to mind, often triggering a memory or association. Choose reminiscent when you want to emphasize the evocative, memory-triggering effect rather than a plain comparison.
