Memoir - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

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?

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

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.

Origin of 'memoir'

Main points about word origin

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.

The word 'memoir' originated from the French word 'mémoire', which means memory or reminiscence. It first appeared in English in the late 15th century. Memoirs have been a popular form of literature for centuries, allowing authors to share personal stories and experiences with readers. The genre gained prominence in the 20th century with the rise of autobiographical writing.

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.

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Memoir Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations