recollection

Everyday

1. A memory of something from the past. tree →
2. (uncountable) The ability to remember: «I have no recollection of it.» tree →
3. (church) Calm, quiet prayer and thoughtfulness. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and history lessons: «recollections of the war» from older people. In everyday speech: «to the best of my recollection». Phrases: «have no recollection of», «a vague recollection», «to the best of my recollection».

Examples

• I have a vague recollection of my first day at school. tree →
• Grandad shared his recollections of growing up on a farm. tree →
• She had no recollection of where she put her keys. tree →
• To the best of my recollection, the shop closes at six. tree →
• His recollection of the match was different from mine. tree →
• The nuns spent the day in quiet recollection. tree →
• They go on with their recollections. tree →

Note

Verb «recollect» (formal for «remember»). Countable for single memories, uncountable for the ability. Formal; «memory» is the everyday word.