Remember and Remind: Definitions, Synonyms, and Usage
Remember and Remind – Definition and Part of Speech
The verb phrases remember and remind are integral parts of communication that serve distinct but related functions.
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Remember: As a verb, “to remember” means to keep something in one’s mind over time. It implies a personal recollection or retention of information or experiences. It can be used in different grammatical forms, such as the present tense (“remember”), past tense (“remembered”), and gerund/infinitive form (“remembering,” “to remember”).
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Remind: As a verb, “to remind” involves bringing something back into someone’s mind through external cues or prompts. It suggests that the information is being recalled by an agent other than oneself, often with some form of interaction.
Core Synonyms
Below are key synonyms for both “remember” and “remind,” complete with brief definitions and example sentences to highlight their nuances:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recollect | Focuses on the act of recalling from memory | “She could recollect her childhood adventures.” | Formal |
| Recall | Similar to remember, but often used in more formal contexts or for past events | “He recalled the name after a brief pause.” | Academic/Formal |
| Revive | Suggests bringing something back to mind that has faded | “The song revived his memories of summer days.” | Literary/Creative |
| Trigger | Implies an external stimulus causing recollection | “The scent triggered her memory of the bakery.” | Informal |
| Prompt | Used when one is nudged or encouraged to remember something | “His email served as a prompt for the meeting agenda.” | Business/Formal |
| Bring to mind | A more literal way to express reminding | “Her smile always brings those days to mind.” | Casual |
Usage Notes
Remember and Synonyms:
- Recollect: Often used in storytelling or personal narratives, especially where there’s a focus on the vividness of memory.
- Recall: Suitable for academic writing or formal reports when referring back to past events or data.
- Revive: Common in creative writing where memories or thoughts are personified and brought back to life through descriptive imagery.
Remind and Synonyms:
- Trigger: Frequently used in everyday conversation, particularly with sensory experiences that naturally evoke memories.
- Prompt: Ideal for business communication when referring to reminders regarding tasks, deadlines, or meetings. It implies a proactive cue.
- Bring to mind: Often employed in casual speech; it’s vivid and accessible without being overly formal.
Common Pitfalls
- Mixing Up Usage Contexts: Remember that “remember” is an introspective recall of memory, while “remind” involves an external stimulus or nudge.
- Formality Levels: Using a word like “recollect” in very casual conversation might sound overly formal or stilted; similarly, “trigger” can be too informal for certain professional contexts.
Final Recap
- Remember and its synonyms emphasize personal recollection: recall, remember, recollect.
- Remind involves external stimuli that prompt memory: remind, prompt, trigger.
By understanding these nuances, you can enrich your vocabulary and use these terms more effectively in both written and spoken communication. Practice by crafting sentences with each synonym to internalize their appropriate contexts, enhancing both clarity and expressiveness in your dialogue or writing.