reminiscent
gb/ɹˌɛmənˈɪsənt/ us/ɹˌɛmənˈɪsənt/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
C1
property
1
reminding you of something else
If something is reminiscent, it makes you think of something else.
Usage pattern:
[something] is reminiscent (of) [something/someone]
Common mistake:
Learners often say *reminiscent to*; in modern English it is usually *reminiscent of*.
Synonyms
evocative (Often suggests it creates a strong feeling or image.)
|
suggestive (Emphasizes hinting at or calling something to mind.)
|
similar (More general; may not imply memory or association.)
Antonyms
different (Not like the other thing in relevant ways.)
|
dissimilar (More formal way to say 'not alike'.)
Collocations
reminiscent of
|highly reminiscent of
|strongly reminiscent of
|faintly reminiscent of
|strangely reminiscent of
|reminiscent smell
|reminiscent style
|reminiscent tone
|reminiscent scene
|reminiscent melody
Themes
describing_things
|memory
|comparison
Examples
- The music is reminiscent of late-90s pop.
- Her voice was faintly reminiscent of her mother’s.
- The hotel lobby felt reminiscent of an old movie set.
Learner examples
- This smell is reminiscent of my childhood.
- The painting is reminiscent of Monet.
adjective
C1
state
2
inclined to talk about the past
If someone is reminiscent, they often think or talk about the past.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is reminiscent (about [something])
Common mistake:
This sense describes a person’s mood or habit; it is different from 'remembering' a specific fact.
Synonyms
nostalgic (Usually implies a longing or affectionate sadness about the past.)
|
reflective (More about thoughtful consideration, not necessarily personal memories.)
|
reminiscing (Directly emphasizes recalling and talking about memories.)
Antonyms
forgetful (Not able to recall past events or information.)
|
forward-looking (Focused on the future rather than the past.)
Collocations
feel reminiscent
|become reminiscent
|a reminiscent mood
|reminiscent stories
|reminiscent conversation
|reminiscent about old times
|reminiscent about college
|grow reminiscent
|suddenly reminiscent
|quietly reminiscent
Themes
memory
|emotions
|conversation
Examples
- After dinner, my grandfather became reminiscent and told stories from the war.
- She was in a reminiscent mood on her last day at the office.
- They spent the evening reminiscent about their university days.
Learner examples
- He is reminiscent about his school years.
- I feel reminiscent when I see old photos.
Grammar
Dictionary form
reminiscent
IPA
GB/ɹˌɛmənˈɪsənt/
US/ɹˌɛmənˈɪsənt/
Syllables & stress
re - min - is - cent (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (is)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: reminiscent
Expressions
reminiscent of
1/ɹˌɛmənˈɪsənt əv/
fixed phrase
makes you think of something
It is similar to something and reminds you of it.
Examples
- The sauce is reminiscent of what we ate in Naples.
- His jokes are reminiscent of old sitcoms.
- The color palette is reminiscent of early Picasso.