'recollective' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'recollectivus,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'collectivus' meant 'gathered together.'

'recollectivus' transformed into the French word 'recollectif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'recollective' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'gathered together again,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to remembering.'