mnemonic
neh-MON-ik
nɪˈmɒnɪk
A device such as a pattern of letters, ideas, or associations that assists in remembering something.
A mnemonic is a tool or a hack for the brain, often using rhymes or acronyms.
The story behind the word. Named after Mnemosyne, the Greek goddess of memory. The 'm' is silent in English pronunciation, a quirk of its Greek origin.
Word relationships
- memory aid: Memory aid is the plain English equivalent; mnemonic is more technical.
Commonly confused with
- acronym: An acronym is a word formed from initials (like NASA); a mnemonic is any memory trick, which might include an acronym.
Collocations
- mnemonic device
- mnemonic aid
- useful mnemonic
Example sentences
- "The most common mnemonic for the planets is 'My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Noodles'." Education
- "Every Good Boy Does Fine is a mnemonic used to remember the notes on the lines of the treble clef." Music theory
Memory hook
M-N-E-M-O-N-I-C: Memory Needs Every Method Of Naming In Code. Memory trick.
When not to use
Do not use this for natural, unassisted memory.
Fun facts
- The 'Method of Loci' is an ancient mnemonic where you imagine placing items you want to remember in different rooms of a house.
Also appears in
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