The term “recall” comes from the Latin word “recallare,” which means “to call back.” This is derived from the Latin roots “re-” meaning “again” and “callare” meaning “to call.”
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The PIE root “*kel-” means “to call” or “to shout.”
2. Latin
From the PIE root, the Latin verb “callare” developed, meaning “to call.” The prefix “re-” (again) combined with “callare” to form “recallare,” meaning “to call back.”
3. Old French (c. 9th to 14th century CE)
The Latin term “recallare” evolved into Old French “recaler,” meaning “to call back” or “to remember.”
4. Middle English (c. 11th to 15th century CE)
The Old French “recaler” was adopted into Middle English as “recallen,” meaning “to call back” or “to remember.”
5. Modern English (from 15th century CE to present)
The term “recall” evolved into its current form and pronunciation, referring to the act of bringing something back to mind, remembering, or summoning someone back.
The word “recall” reflects the act of bringing something back into one’s mind or summoning someone or something back. It emphasizes the ability to retrieve information or memories and can also imply the act of calling someone back to a place or position.