What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
memory
Example
I have a good memory for faces, but not for names. [memory: noun]
Example
That memory of my childhood still brings tears to my eyes. [memory: noun]
Example
She has a vast memory of historical events. [memory: noun]
recollection
Example
My recollection of that day is hazy. [recollection: noun]
Example
Upon hearing the song, she had a sudden recollection of her childhood. [recollection: noun]
Example
I can't recollect where I put my keys. [recollect: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Memory is more common than recollection in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between memory and recollection?
Memory is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while recollection is more formal and may be better suited for formal writing or speech.
