recollection

recollection — noun

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

1.名詞B2
釋義

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

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • forgetfulness

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

  • oblivion

    literary term for the state of being completely forgotten

文法句型

possessive + recollection + of + noun/gerund

have a/no recollection of + noun/gerund

recollection + that-clause

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.名詞B2
釋義

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

例句

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.

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • amnesia

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

  • forgetfulness

    the tendency to forget things; less severe than amnesia

文法句型

possessive + recollection

recollection + of + noun phrase

adjective + recollection

用法筆記

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).

常見錯誤

❌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.