Memorizing: meaning, definitions and examples

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memorizing

[ˈmeməˌraɪzɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

improve memory skills

Memorizing is the process of committing something to memory through repetition and practice. It involves encoding information in a way that makes it easier to recall at a later time. Memorizing can be a useful tool for learning new information and retaining it for future use.

Synonyms

committing to memory, cramming, learning by heart.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
memorizing	Used in general contexts where the focus is on storing information in one's memory. He has been memorizing the lines for the school play.
learning by heart	Used when someone needs to remember something thoroughly and completely, often phrases, poems, or important information. It is often associated with traditional education methods. The students must learn the poem by heart for their literature class.
committing to memory	Often used in more formal contexts or when emphasizing the deliberate effort to remember something permanently. He is committing his speech to memory for the big presentation.
cramming	Used in situations where someone is attempting to memorize a lot of information in a short period, often right before an exam or deadline. It can have a negative connotation as it implies a lack of preparation. She spent the entire night cramming for the math exam.

Examples of usage

Students often use flashcards for memorizing vocabulary words.
She spent hours memorizing her lines for the play.
I recommend memorizing key formulas before the exam.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

mental process

Memorizing is the mental process of storing and recalling information. It involves the ability to retain data in memory and retrieve it when needed. Memorizing can be essential for tasks that require quick access to specific facts or details.

Synonyms

memory retention, recollection, retention.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
memorizing	This is a duplicate entry and has been previously described.
memory retention	Refers to the ability to retain and recall information over a period of time. Often used in discussions about long-term memory capabilities. Daily crossword puzzles can help improve memory retention. The research focused on the impact of sleep on memory retention.
recollection	Used when referring to the act of remembering or recalling a specific piece of information or event, often from the past. To the best of my recollection, we met in 2010. He had no recollection of the events that transpired last night.
retention	Generally used to describe the ability to keep or hold onto information, often in an educational or corporate setting. This term can also be used in broader contexts like employee retention in HR. Employee training programs aim to improve retention of important skills. The doctor was concerned about the patient's retention of new information.

Examples of usage

His memorizing skills are impressive.
The competition tests the contestants' memorizing abilities.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'memorare,' which means 'to remember.'
In Old French, the word 'memoriser' meant 'to commit to memory,' emphasizing its importance in learning.
The root 'mem' can be found in other words related to memory and remembering.

Psychology

Memorizing often taps into different memory techniques, like chunking information into smaller parts.
Studies show that spacing out study sessions (spaced repetition) enhances long-term memorization.
The act of recalling learned information strengthens neural connections, making it easier to remember next time.

Education

Young children often start memorizing songs and nursery rhymes, which improves language and cognitive skills.
Flashcards are a popular tool in education, helping students memorize vocabulary or important concepts.
Teachers often use mnemonic devices (like acronyms) to help students memorize complex information.

Technology

With the rise of digital tools, many people now use apps to aid memorization, making it easier to learn on the go.
Artificial intelligence can analyze patterns in how humans memorize, leading to improved educational software.
Online platforms often incorporate games and quizzes that make memorizing fun and interactive.

Cultural Insights

In many cultures, oral tradition relies heavily on memorization to pass stories and knowledge through generations.
Memory competitions, also known as memorization championships, celebrate extraordinary memory skills worldwide.
Some ancient civilizations, such as the Incas, used knotted strings (quipus) to memorize records and information.

Translations

Translations of the word "memorizing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 memorizando

🇮🇳 याद करना

🇩🇪 auswendig lernen

🇮🇩 menghafal

🇺🇦 запам'ятовування

🇵🇱 zapamiętywanie

🇯🇵 暗記する (あんきする)

🇫🇷 mémorisation

🇪🇸 memorización

🇹🇷 ezberleme

🇰🇷 암기 (암기하기)

🇸🇦 حفظ

🇨🇿 memorování

🇸🇰 zapamätávanie

🇨🇳 记忆 (jìyì)

🇸🇮 memoriranje

🇮🇸 muna

🇰🇿 жаттау

🇬🇪 დამახსოვრება (damaxsovreba)

🇦🇿 yadda saxlamaq

🇲🇽 memorización

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,387, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
23384 moult
23385 largo
23386 tinnitus
23387 memorizing
23388 jubilant
23389 deserter
23390 tinder
...