recollect
UK: ˌrekəˈlekt | US: ˌrekəˈlekt
vt. to remember something; to recall to mind
vt. to gather or collect again
The word "recollect" originated in the late 16th century, combining the prefix re- (indicating repetition) with collect (to gather). Initially, it meant "to gather again," but over time, it evolved to emphasize the mental act of recalling or remembering, as if gathering scattered thoughts. This shift reflects the metaphorical connection between physical collection and mental retrieval.
She paused to recollect her thoughts before answering.
I can’t quite recollect where we first met.
He tried to recollect the details of the event.
The librarian asked us to recollect the borrowed books.
After the storm, they had to recollect the scattered documents.