A word or phrase to say something reminds or hints or brings up another idea

Question

I want to tell that something reminds/hint us of another thing. For example, in an application, a sorting method used in it has similarities to bubble sort but not completely the same. In this case, when reading about the sorting method used in the application reminds or hints me of, or brings to mind the idea of bubble sort. So, I tried to put this idea into a sentence this way:

The sorting method used in the application reminisces bubble sort.

But in this sentence, is the word reminisces used appropriately?

So I thought of phrasing it the other way:

The sorting method used in the application is a reminiscent of bubble sort.

I seldom hear the word reminiscent being used in this context and it sounds weird when I use it this way. Is it correct?

Since it also feels like a hint, I thought maybe I could use the word "allude":

The sorting method used in the application alludes bubble sort.

Here, again, alludes doesn't sound like a right word to use.

What word or way of phrasing should I use to get this idea across clearly?

Answer 1

Speaking as one with a background in both literary criticism and programming, I think OP's problem in finding le mot juste arises from the fact that he's mixing those two domains in a slightly unusual way.

Litcrit contexts often use expressions like alludes to, is evocative of, suggests, reminds us of, etc. - partly because they're slightly "vague", and encourage the reader to exercise his imagination.

In a technical context talking about how some particular sort algorithm relates to a bubble sort, I wouldn't expect to be told it's reminiscent thereof. Either it does share characteristics or it doesn't. And if it does, I'd want to know exactly how it's similar. If it doesn't, I'd rather not be told I should be seeing it in the same light.

In essence, I think OP should either accept RiMMER's suggestion resembles, or he shouldn't mention the bubble sort at all. If I'm not mistaken, RiMMER has a strong technical background, which is why he'd be biased towards using the "clinically correct" word here (if indeed there is a resemblance) rather than more creative metaphoric alternatives.

The only other thing to add is that "reminds me of a bubble sort" isn't necessarily inappropriate, provided OP is able and willing to identify specific shared characteristics of both algorithms.

Answer 2

Resembles is your word, my friend!

(transitive) To be like or similar to (something); to represent as similar.

Therefore:

The sorting method used in the application resembles bubble sort.

Answer 3

I think all that you're looking for is the correct use of 'reminiscent':

...is reminiscent of...

That is, 'reminiscent' is an djective, not a noun, so it does not take an article.

In your example:

The sorting method used in the application is reminiscent of bubble sort.

with the 'a' dropped.

Answer 4

I would simply go for simple forms involving inspire and remind, with inspire being especially suggestive of something springing to mind.

More pedestrian constructs, or at least less inspiring, could be formed using derive as the base verb — and more Olympian ones by referring to Athena springing full-formed from the mind of Zeus. :)

If it is a sudden, perhaps Archimedean breakthrough, you might even chance using eureka as a verb.

Answer 5

I think, you may use suggest

suggest: to evoke (a person, thing, etc.) in the mind of someone by the association of ideas; To bring or call to mind by logic or association; evoke