Phrase guide

think back

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To think about a time or experience; to recall.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • When I think back on those times we shared together, I can't help but feel a little sad.
  • Think back to a time when you were happy.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

recapture the past; indulge in memories

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • he remembered how he used to pick flowers

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: remember

Antonyms: none provided

Narrower terms: reminisce, review, look back, retrospect

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 回想 (huíxiǎng) — think about a time or experience
  • Chinese Mandarin: 回憶 /回忆 (huíyì) — think about a time or experience
  • Finnish: muistella — think about a time or experience
  • Russian: вспоминать (vspominatʹ) — think about a time or experience