Definition of reminiscent

The word "reminiscent" has its roots in the Latin words "re-" meaning "again" and "miniscentia" meaning "remembering". The term was first used in the 15th century, originally referring to the process of remembering or recollecting something. Over time, the word evolved to convey a sense of being evocative or suggestive of something past. In the 17th century, "reminiscent" began to take on a more figurative meaning, implying a connection or resemblance between something current and something remembered from the past. This sense of nostalgia and recollection has remained a defining characteristic of the word to this day. For example, a person might say "The smell of freshly baked cookies is reminiscent of my childhood summers at my grandparents' house."