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Memoir: meaning, definitions and examples

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memoir

 

[ˈmem.wɑːr ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

literature

A memoir is a historical account or biography written from personal knowledge or special sources. It is a subgenre of the autobiography and usually focuses on specific experiences or periods in the author's life.

Synonyms

autobiography, biography, personal history.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
memoir

Use when the focus is on personal experiences and the author wants to share stories or reflections from their life, often with emotional depth.

  • Her memoir details the struggles she faced during her early career.
  • He wrote a touching memoir about his time in the army.
autobiography

Appropriate when the author is recounting their entire life story in a more structured, chronological order. It is usually detailed and factual.

  • His autobiography covers his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
  • The autobiography gives a comprehensive look at her achievements and personal challenges.
biography

Suitable when someone writes the detailed life story of another person. It is often based on research and interviews.

  • The biography of the famous scientist includes many insights from his colleagues.
  • She spent five years gathering information for the biography of the renowned artist.
personal history

Best used when providing a detailed account of one's own past, experiences, and events, not necessarily in a literary form.

  • In his personal history, he explains the significant events that shaped his beliefs.
  • Her personal history is filled with travel stories and learning experiences.

Examples of usage

  • The author's memoir detailed his experiences during the war.
  • She published a memoir about her childhood growing up in a small town.
  • The memoir provided insight into the author's struggles and triumphs.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'memoir' comes from the French word 'mémoire', meaning 'memory' or 'recollection'.
  • Old French primarily used 'memoire' to denote a written account of personal experience, evolving into today's usage.

Literature

  • Memoirs are often written in the first person, allowing readers to connect deeply with the author's experiences.
  • Famous memoirs, like 'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank, provide personal insights into historical events.
  • This genre has gained popularity in recent years, with many celebrities sharing their life stories.

Psychology

  • Writing a memoir can be therapeutic, helping authors make sense of their lives and feelings.
  • Memories are often reconstructed rather than replayed, which can lead to different interpretations of events in a memoir.

Cultural Impact

  • Memoirs can shape public perceptions of historical events by providing personal narratives that resonate with readers.
  • They often highlight underrepresented voices and stories, offering a more diverse understanding of history.

Pop Culture

  • In recent years, many film and television adaptations are based on bestselling memoirs, illustrating their broad appeal.
  • Social media influencers have begun writing memoirs, merging personal life with the digital age, attracting younger audiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "memoir" in other languages:

🇵🇹 memórias

🇮🇳 संस्मरण

🇩🇪 Memoiren

🇮🇩 memoar

🇺🇦 мемуари

🇵🇱 wspomnienia

🇯🇵 回顧録

🇫🇷 mémoires

🇪🇸 memorias

🇹🇷 hatıralar

🇰🇷 회고록

🇸🇦 مذكرات

🇨🇿 paměti

🇸🇰 pamäte

🇨🇳 回忆录

🇸🇮 spomini

🇮🇸 minningarbók

🇰🇿 естеліктер

🇬🇪 მოგონებები

🇦🇿 xatirələr

🇲🇽 memorias

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,910, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.