Memory
MEM-uh-ree
/ˈmɛməri/
The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information.
Encompasses the processes of encoding, storing, and retrieving information, not just the stored information itself.
The story behind the word. The word 'memory' comes from the Latin 'memoria,' meaning 'mindfulness, remembrance, or memory.' This Latin root is also found in words like 'memorial' and 'commemorate.' It has been a core part of the English language since the 13th century, reflecting the enduring human fascination with the ability to recall the past.
Word relationships
- recollection: Often refers to the act of recalling a specific past event.
- remembrance: Similar to recollection, often with an emotional or commemorative nuance.
- forgetfulness: The state of being prone to forgetting.
- amnesia: A pathological loss of memory.
Word family
- memorize (verb): To commit to memory; learn by heart.
- memorable (adjective): Worth remembering or easily remembered.
Collocations
- short-term memory
- long-term memory
- lose memory
- recall memory
- photographic memory
Idioms & expressions
- jog someone's memory
- commit to memory
- memory like a sieve
Example sentences
- "I have a terrible memory for names, but I never forget a face." Everyday conversation
- "The hippocampus plays a crucial role in the formation of new long-term memories." Psychological study
Memory hook
MEMORY helps you 'MEM-orize' important information. Memorize info
When not to use
Generally applicable; be mindful of specific types of memory (e.g., short-term, long-term) for precision.
Fun facts
- There are different types of memory, including episodic (events), semantic (facts), and procedural (skills).
- The capacity of human long-term memory is often considered virtually limitless.
Related words
Also appears in
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