Memorise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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memorise

[ˈmɛmərʌɪz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

remember

To commit to memory; learn by heart. To fix in the mind; retain in memory. To remember; recall.

Synonyms

learn, remember, retain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
memorise

Used when committing information to memory, often through repetition. It usually implies knowing the information exactly as it is.

  • He had to memorise all the capital cities for the geography test.
  • Actors often memorise their lines before rehearsals.
learn

Used when acquiring new knowledge or skills. It can refer to understanding and comprehending information, beyond just memorising it.

  • I am trying to learn French before our trip to Paris.
  • She learned how to play the guitar in just six months.
remember

Used when recalling information that has been learned or memorised in the past. It is about retrieving stored information.

  • Do you remember where you put your keys?
  • She could easily remember the recipes from her grandmother.
retain

Used to mean keeping or holding on to information for a long period of time. It focuses on the ability to stay knowledgeable about something over time.

  • It is important to retain what you have learned in history class.
  • He managed to retain all the facts even after many years.

Examples of usage

  • He tried to memorise the poem for the recitation competition.
  • She memorised all the important dates for the history exam.
  • I need to memorise my lines for the play.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'memorise'

The word 'memorise' originated from the Latin word 'memorizare', which means 'to remember'. The concept of memorisation dates back to ancient times when oral traditions were the primary way of passing down information. Over the years, various mnemonic techniques have been developed to aid in memorisation, such as visualization, repetition, and association. Memorisation plays a crucial role in education, learning, and cognitive development.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,247, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.