think back
Remember earlier times
Think back is to recall or reflect on past events, usually prompted by something in the present: Think back to when we first met.
The phrase implies deliberate mental effort to retrieve memories: I'm trying to think back to where I left my keys.
Often followed by "to" or "on" to specify the time or subject being recalled.
Retrieve past experiences
- recallMemory retrieval act
- rememberRetain in mind
- flashbackInvoluntary past memory
- memoryMind's retention capacity
recollection · reflect · revisit · relive · retrace · summon · evoke · conjure
Intense prolonged craving
- longingIntense, persistent desire
- wistfulnessTender sadness for absence
- sentimentalityExcessive tender emotion
- homesicknessLonging for one's dwelling
melancholy · hiraeth · nostalgic · golden days · halcyon · old times · bygone · yesteryear
Observing one's own mind
- self-examinationScrutiny of one's thoughts
- ponderingThinking deeply about something
- musingReflective contemplation
- contemplationSustained reflective attention
rumination · self-reflection · self-analysis · self-awareness · hindsight · perspective · reassess · reconsider
Yearned-for outcome
- should havePast obligation unfulfilled
- could havePast possibility expression
- if onlyExpression of regret
- mistakeWrong action or decision
missed opportunity · second thoughts · rue · lament · what if · do-over · guilt · remorse
recollect
Retrieve past experiences
memory · recollection · reflect · revisit · relive · retrace · summon · evoke · conjure · retrieve
yearning
Intense prolonged craving
- longingIntense, persistent desire
- wistfulnessTender sadness for absence
- sentimentalityExcessive tender emotion
homesickness · melancholy · hiraeth · nostalgic · golden days · halcyon · old times · bygone · yesteryear · fond memories
introspection
Observing one's own mind
- self-examinationScrutiny of one's thoughts
- ponderingThinking deeply about something
- musingReflective contemplation
contemplation · rumination · self-reflection · self-analysis · self-awareness · hindsight · perspective · reassess · reconsider · reevaluate
wish
Yearned-for outcome
- should havePast obligation unfulfilled
- could havePast possibility expression
- if onlyExpression of regret
mistake · missed opportunity · second thoughts · rue · lament · what if · do-over · guilt · remorse · hindsight
- memoryremember, forget, recall, memorize, recollect
- memoriesmemories, remember, recollections, childhood memory, childhood memories
- Looking Backremember, recall, memory, reminiscing, flashback
think backthink ahead
Plan for future events
look forward · anticipate · look ahead · plan ahead · forecast
back, think, thinking, thinker, thinks, unthinkable, reminisce, thinkers, rethinking