Memo: meaning, definitions and examples

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memo

 

[ ˈmɛmoʊ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

taking notes

A short note or record for helping the memory; a memorandum.

Synonyms

memorandum, note, reminder.

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Word Description / Examples
memo

Used in a business or office environment to communicate short and formal messages to employees or colleagues. Typically used for internal communication.

  • Please read the attached memo before the end of the day.
  • The manager sent out a memo about the new office policies.
memorandum

A formal, written communication used in business or governmental settings. It is usually official and has a more serious tone than a memo.

  • The memorandum outlined the terms of the new partnership.
  • A memorandum was issued to announce the changes in the law.
note

Used for quick, informal communication. Suitable for jotting down ideas, reminders, or messages that don't require formalities.

  • I left a note on your desk about the meeting time.
  • She wrote a note to remind herself to buy milk.
reminder

Usually informal and used to prompt someone to do something or remember something. Can be both verbal or written.

  • Just a reminder that your doctor's appointment is tomorrow.
  • She sent a reminder email about the upcoming deadline.

Examples of usage

  • He wrote a memo to himself to remember to buy milk.
  • I need to make a quick memo of this important meeting.

Translations

Translations of the word "memo" in other languages:

🇵🇹 memorando

🇮🇳 स्मरण

🇩🇪 Notiz

🇮🇩 catatan

🇺🇦 записка

🇵🇱 notatka

🇯🇵 メモ

🇫🇷 mémo

🇪🇸 nota

🇹🇷 not

🇰🇷 메모

🇸🇦 مذكرة

🇨🇿 poznámka

🇸🇰 poznámka

🇨🇳 备忘录

🇸🇮 opomba

🇮🇸 minnisblað

🇰🇿 жазба

🇬🇪 შენიშვნა

🇦🇿 qeyd

🇲🇽 nota

Etymology

The word 'memo' is a shortened form of 'memorandum', which comes from Latin 'memorandum', meaning 'to be remembered'. The term began to be used in the early 1700s in English to refer to a written reminder or note. Over time, 'memo' has become a common abbreviation in business and informal communication for a brief written message or note.

See also: memoir, memorandum, memory.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,085, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.