1 C1 idiomatic formal
To direct your memory or thoughts to a past time; to recall.
"Casting back to her university days, she remembered how carefree everything had felt."
inseparable
cast back
C1 formal inseparable intransitive
To direct one's thoughts deliberately back to a past time or event.
In plain English
To try to remember something that happened in the past.
What does "cast back" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To cast (throw) one's gaze or thoughts backward in time.
Actually means
To try to remember something that happened in the past.
Usage tip
Literary and somewhat old-fashioned. Usually used with 'to' or 'over': 'cast back to childhood' or 'cast one's mind back.' The phrase 'cast one's mind back' is more common than 'cast back' alone.
Words that pair with "cast back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
memory mind childhood years past thoughts
How to conjugate "cast back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cast back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
casts back
he/she/it
Past simple
casted back
yesterday
Past participle
casted back
have + pp
-ing form
casting back
continuous
Hear "cast back" in the wild
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Other ways to say "cast back"
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