Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Reminisce"

Episode Title: Reminisce
Host: Merriam-Webster
Release Date: April 13, 2025

Introduction to "Reminisce"

In the April 13, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, hosted by Merriam-Webster, the featured word is "reminisce." This episode delves into the meaning, usage, and etymology of the word, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of its nuances and applications.

Definition and Meaning

The host introduces "reminisce" as a verb, spelling it out for clarity: R-E-M-I-N-I-S-C-E. The primary definition provided is:

To reminisce is to talk, think, or write about things that happened in the past.

This sets the foundation for exploring how the term is employed in various contexts to convey the act of recalling past experiences.

Usage in Context

To illustrate the use of "reminisce," the host references a sentence from Nora Lange's "Us Fools":

“Our parents would reminisce about their past happiness and point to the oversized photographic portrait taken of them at the county fair sometime in the mid-1970s before we were born.”
—Merriam-Webster, 00:41

This example highlights how "reminisce" captures not just the act of remembering but also the emotional connection to past moments.

Further enriching the explanation, the host cites the classic hit "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire:

“Do you remember, say, the 21st night of September? Fantastic! Earth, Wind, and Fire does too. On their classic hit from 1978, 'September,' the band reminisces. That is, they share details and express feelings about what they remember: day dancing, a bell ringing, souls singing, etc.”
—Merriam-Webster, 01:00

This musical reference underscores how artists use reminiscence to evoke nostalgia and connect with their audience's shared memories.

Distinguishing "Reminisce" from Similar Terms

The host clarifies the unique shade of meaning that "reminisce" holds compared to synonymous words:

“Reminisce distinguishes itself from words like remember and recollect by implying a casual recalling of experiences long past, often with a sense of nostalgia.”
—Merriam-Webster, 01:30

This distinction emphasizes that while "remember" and "recollect" can denote any act of recalling, "reminisce" often carries a warmer, more sentimental connotation.

Etymology and Linguistic Roots

Delving into the word's origins, the host explains the etymology of "reminisce" and its related forms:

“Reminisce and its relatives, reminiscence and reminiscent, all trace back to the Latin verb reminisci, meaning 'remember.' Reminisci, in turn, shares roots with mens, the Latin word for 'mind.'”
—Merriam-Webster, 01:50

This historical perspective reveals the deep-seated connections between memory, the mind, and the act of reminiscing.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Concluding the episode, the host, Peter Sokolowsk, encourages listeners to explore more words and linguistic insights:

“With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowsk.”
—Merriam-Webster, 02:03

Listeners are invited to visit merriam-webster.com for additional definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups.

Notable Quotes

• Definition of Reminisce:
  “To reminisce is to talk, think, or write about things that happened in the past.”
  —Merriam-Webster, 00:41

• Usage Example from "Us Fools":
  “Our parents would reminisce about their past happiness...”
  —Merriam-Webster, 00:41

• Music Reference with Earth, Wind & Fire:
  “On their classic hit from 1978, 'September,' the band reminisces.”
  —Merriam-Webster, 01:00

• Distinction from Similar Words:
  “Reminisce distinguishes itself from words like remember and recollect by implying a casual recalling of experiences long past, often with a sense of nostalgia.”
  —Merriam-Webster, 01:30

• Etymology Insight:
  “Reminisce and its relatives... all trace back to the Latin verb reminisci, meaning 'remember.'”
  —Merriam-Webster, 01:50

Final Notes

This episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day effectively unpacks the multifaceted nature of "reminisce," offering listeners not only a clear definition but also contextual examples and historical background. Whether you're looking to enrich your vocabulary or simply enjoy a linguistic exploration, this episode provides valuable insights into the art of reminiscing.

For more enriching content and daily word inspirations, visit merriam-webster.com.