Remember Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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remember

[rɪˈmɛmbər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

memory

to have in or be able to bring to one's mind an awareness of (someone or something that one has seen, known, or experienced in the past)

Synonyms

recall, recollect, reminisce, retain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
remember	This word is used in general situations when you need to talk about bringing something back to your mind. I can't remember where I left my keys. Do you remember her name?
recall	This word is often used in more formal or specific contexts, especially when referring to more detailed memories. The witness couldn't recall the exact details of the incident. Can you recall what he said during the meeting?
recollect	This word is typically used in more formal language and often implies a deliberate effort to remember something. I don't recollect meeting her before. He tried to recollect the events of that day.
reminisce	This word is used when you look back on past experiences with nostalgia or fondness. We often reminisce about our college days. She loves to reminisce about her childhood holidays.
retain	This word focuses on the ability to keep a memory or information for a long time. It's difficult to retain so much information. He retains a lot of what he reads.

Examples of usage

I will always remember my first day of school.
She remembers her grandmother fondly.
Do you remember where you put the keys?
I remember meeting him at the party.
He can't remember his own phone number.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

memory

to retain in the memory

Synonyms

commit to memory, learn by heart, memorize, retain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
remember	Use it when recalling something from the past without effort. I remember our trip to Paris. Do you remember where you put the keys?
retain	Use it when keeping information in your memory over a period of time. It's important to retain this information for the final exam. He retained the information even after many years.
memorize	Use it when intentionally and repeatedly studying information to remember it, often for academic purposes. I need to memorize these definitions for tomorrow's exam. She memorized her part in the play.
learn by heart	Use it when you memorize something so well that you remember it perfectly, often used for poems, texts, or speeches. He learned the entire poem by heart. She learned her speech by heart for the presentation.
commit to memory	Use it when you deliberately try to store information in your memory for future use. You need to commit these formulas to memory for the test. She committed the lines to memory before the play.

Examples of usage

I can remember the lyrics to my favorite song.
She remembered the important details of the meeting.
He couldn't remember the answer to the question.
I remember the faces but not the names.
Try to remember the directions.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

memory

the power or process of reproducing or recalling what has been learned and retained

Synonyms

recall, recollection, remembrance, retention.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
remember	Used in everyday situations when you need to talk about having something in your memory, often something specific or personal. I always remember my grandmother's advice. Do you remember where you parked the car?
recollection	Often used in more reflective or thoughtful contexts, referring to the act of recalling an event, memory, or experience. His recollection of his childhood is vivid. To the best of my recollection, we haven’t met before.
remembrance	Used in contexts of memorial or tribute, often referring to honoring or remembering someone who has passed away. We held a ceremony in remembrance of the fallen soldiers. The poet wrote a beautiful piece in remembrance of her late husband.
recall	Used in more formal or professional contexts where there is a need to bring a thought or detail back from memory. I cannot recall the exact date of the meeting. She was asked to recall the main events of the day.
retention	Typically used in academic, organizational, or psychological contexts referring to the ability to keep or hold information over time. Employee retention is a key concern for the company. Memory retention can be improved with practice and a healthy lifestyle.

Examples of usage

Her memory of the event is still vivid.
He has a good memory for names.
The memory of her kindness will always stay with me.
The memory of her voice lingers in my mind.
His memory is starting to fail him.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Memories are stored in various brain regions, primarily the hippocampus, which is crucial for forming new memories.
Repetition of information can significantly enhance memory retention, a technique called spaced repetition.
Emotions play a vital role in how well we remember experiences; emotional events tend to create stronger memories.

Cognitive Science

Forgetting can be just as important as remembering; it helps the brain clear out unnecessary information.
There are different types of memory: short-term, long-term, and working memory, each serving unique functions.
Memory can be improved through various techniques like visualization, association, and mnemonics.

Literature

Many authors explore the concept of memory in their works, often highlighting how memories shape identity.
In literature, the act of remembering can serve as a catalyst for character development and plot progression.
The phrase 'Remember me' or similar expressions often appears in poetry and prose to evoke nostalgia or loss.

Pop Culture

Songs and movies frequently center around the theme of remembering, such as 'Remember Me' which highlights the emotional weight of memories.
In video games, such as 'Remember Me', the storyline revolves around memory manipulation and its impact on reality.
Social media platforms allow people to remember shared moments via photos and status updates from the past.

Origin of 'remember'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'memoria', meaning 'memory' or 'remembrance'.
It is derived from the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and 'memor' meaning 'mindful' or 'remembering'.
First known use in English dates back to the 14th century, showing the importance of memory in human communication.

The word 'remember' has its roots in Middle English, from the Old French word 'remembrer', which is derived from the Latin word 'rememorari', meaning 'to call to mind'. The concept of remembering has been significant throughout human history, with memory playing a crucial role in learning, communication, and personal identity.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,189, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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1186 output
1187 thirty
1188 ordered
1189 remember
1190 negative
1191 task
1192 maintenance
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