Memory: meaning, definitions and examples

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memory

[ˈmem(ə)rē ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in psychology

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information; the cognitive processes involved in retaining, retrieving, and using information.

Synonyms

recollection, remembrance, retention.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
memory	An individual instance of remembering something, sometimes used interchangeably with 'recollection'. That vacation was one of my best memories. I have a good memory of my childhood home.
recollection	Refers to the process of remembering something, often involving effort or concentration. It can sometimes carry a more formal or deliberate connotation. To the best of my recollection, the meeting starts at 3 PM. Her recollection of the events was different from his.
remembrance	Often used in a more formal or ceremonial context to refer to honoring or remembering people, events, or things, especially those from the past. It can also imply a sense of nostalgia or respect. The ceremony was held in remembrance of those who had passed away. He lit a candle in remembrance of his late grandmother.
retention	Refers specifically to the ability to retain information over time. Commonly used in educational or professional settings. Her retention of new vocabulary words is impressive. Employee retention rates have improved since we implemented the new policy.

Examples of usage

Her memory of the event was still vivid.
As she grew older, her memory began to fade.
The memory of her childhood still haunted her.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

computing

The part of a computer in which data or program instructions can be stored for retrieval.

Synonyms

cache, ram, storage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
memory	General term used for any system that stores data temporarily or permanently in a computer. My computer needs more memory to run these programs smoothly The memory on my phone is almost full
storage	Refers to any system or device that saves data permanently, such as hard drives or SSDs. You should back up your files to avoid losing important data from your storage This phone offers 128GB of storage space
ram	Stands for Random Access Memory, used as the short-term memory of a computer for running programs and processing data. My laptop has 8GB of RAM Adding more RAM can help your computer run more applications at the same time
cache	A specialized form of memory that stores frequently accessed data for quick retrieval. The browser uses a cache to load websites faster The CPU cache stores the most commonly used instructions

Examples of usage

The program requires a computer with a minimum of 4GB of memory.
The memory of the computer can be expanded with additional RAM.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

general

Something remembered from the past; a recollection.

Synonyms

nostalgia, recollection, remembrance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
memory	A general term for recalling past events or information. It is neutral and can be used in both personal and more formal contexts. She has a good memory for names The memory of that day still makes him smile
remembrance	Typically used in solemn or respectful contexts, often relating to honoring or commemorating someone or something. It carries a sense of reverence and memory. The ceremony was in remembrance of those who had fallen Her remembrance of their time together brought tears to her eyes
recollection	Often used in more formal or reflective settings, referring to the act of remembering something with some effort. It suggests a specific moment or details. To the best of my recollection, we met in 2010 Her recollection of that evening was very vivid
nostalgia	Used when recalling the past with a mix of happiness and a bit of sadness. It often implies longing for a happier or simpler time. He felt a wave of nostalgia as he walked through his old neighborhood The smell of fresh cookies brings a sense of nostalgia

Examples of usage

The memories of their time together still brought a smile to her face.
The old photograph stirred up memories of her childhood.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'memoria', meaning 'the faculty of remembering.'
In ancient cultures, memory was seen as a skill that could be trained and improved, much like an athlete perfects a sport.
The root of the word is linked to 'meminisse' in Latin, which means 'to remember'.

Psychology

Memory is divided into three main types: sensory (short-term), short-term (working), and long-term memory.
The brain's hippocampus plays a crucial role in forming new memories and connecting them to emotions.
Emotional experiences tend to create stronger memories due to the impact of hormones released during those times.

Technology

In computing, memory refers to components that store data, such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory).
Advancements in memory technology have led to faster data retrieval and larger storage capacities for devices.
Cloud storage relies on remote servers to hold data, expanding the concept of memory from local to global.

Cultural Significance

Many cultures celebrate remembrance days to honor and remember historical events or loved ones.
Storytelling has been a primary method for passing down memories and cultural knowledge through generations.
Art, music, and literature often explore themes of memory, showcasing its complexity in human experience.

Neuroscience

The brain's ability to form memories involves complex networks of neurons that communicate through electrical signals.
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, which is essential for learning and memory.
Certain substances and activities, like learning a new skill or meditation, can enhance memory function and retention.

Translations

Translations of the word "memory" in other languages:

🇵🇹 memória

🇮🇳 स्मृति

🇩🇪 Erinnerung

🇮🇩 memori

🇺🇦 пам'ять

🇵🇱 pamięć

🇯🇵 記憶 (kioku)

🇫🇷 mémoire

🇪🇸 memoria

🇹🇷 hafıza

🇰🇷 기억 (gieok)

🇸🇦 ذاكرة (dhakira)

🇨🇿 paměť

🇸🇰 pamäť

🇨🇳 记忆 (jìyì)

🇸🇮 spomin

🇮🇸 minni

🇰🇿 жад

🇬🇪 მეხსიერება (mekhsireba)

🇦🇿 yaddaş

🇲🇽 memoria

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,323, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

...
1320 understood
1321 recognized
1322 setting
1323 memory
1324 association
1325 nine
1326 context
...