memory
MEHM-uh-ree
Memory (noun) means the brain's ability to store and recall information or past experiences. Example: “I have a terrible memory, so I write everything down in a notebook.”
noun
1
The brain's ability to store and recall information or past experiences.
"I have a terrible memory, so I write everything down in a notebook."
"Her memory for names is remarkable."
"As he aged, his memory began to fade."
2
A specific thing recalled from the past.
"My earliest memory is of sitting on my grandfather's shoulders at a fair."
"The old photograph brought back a happy memory of childhood summers by the sea."
"One of my favourite memories is our trip to Rome."
3
A computer's hardware used for storing data and instructions, either temporarily (RAM) or permanently.
"The laptop needs more memory to run smoothly."
"The game kept crashing because the phone had too little memory."
"You can upgrade the memory in this computer by adding a second chip."
How to use memory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe ability to recall past information, a specific recollection, or a computer's data storage.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
long-term memory
a fond memory
memory loss
computer memory
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Word forms
- Plural
- memories
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I have a terrible _____, so I write everything down in a notebook.
Etymology
From Old French memoire, from Latin memoria ("remembrance"), from memor ("mindful, remembering").
Synonyms
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remembrance
retention
retentiveness
retentivity
store
remembering
storage
recall
recollection
rememoration
reminiscence
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for memory
See all rhymes for memory →Frequently asked questions
What does “memory” mean?
The word “memory” means the brain's ability to store and recall information or past experiences. In plain terms, the ability to recall past information, a specific recollection, or a computer's data storage.
How do you pronounce “memory”?
“Memory” is pronounced MEHM-uh-ree (/ˈmɛm.ə.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “memory” in a sentence?
Here is “memory” used in a sentence: “Her memory for names is remarkable.”
What is another word for “memory”?
Words with a similar meaning to “memory” include recall, recollection, rememoration and reminiscence.
What is the opposite of “memory”?
The opposite of “memory” — its antonyms — is blank.
What part of speech is “memory”?
“Memory” is a noun.
Where does the word “memory” come from?
The word “memory” comes from Latin. From Old French memoire, from Latin memoria ("remembrance"), from memor ("mindful, remembering").
Is “memory” a common word?
“Memory” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between short-term and long-term memory?
Short-term memory holds a small amount of information briefly, for seconds to minutes, like a phone number you are about to dial. Long-term memory stores information for days to a lifetime, including facts, skills, and experiences. Information can move from short-term to long-term through repetition and meaning.
Can memory be improved?
Yes. Techniques like repetition, association, visualization, and mnemonic devices all strengthen recall. Good sleep, regular exercise, and paying full attention while learning help too. Natural memory ability varies from person to person, but most people can noticeably improve how well they retain and retrieve information with practice.
What are the types of memory?
Psychologists distinguish sensory memory, a brief impression of what we sense; short-term or working memory, which holds information in mind for a short time; and long-term memory, for lasting storage. Long-term memory further divides into explicit memory for facts and events and implicit memory for skills and habits.
Why is memory important?
Memory lets us learn, recognize people and places, and build on past experience. It underlies language, relationships, and our very sense of identity, since without it we could not accumulate knowledge or make sense of the present. Almost every daily task, from cooking to conversation, depends on recall.
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