Remembering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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remembering

[rɪˈmɛmbərɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

memory

Recalling information from memory.

Synonyms

recall, recollect, retain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
remembering

Used in everyday conversations to talk about the act of bringing a memory to mind.

  • I was remembering our trip to the mountains last summer.
  • She is good at remembering names and faces.
recollect

Typically used in more formal or literary situations, often involving an effort to remember something.

  • I recollect meeting her at the conference last year.
  • Can you recollect the events of that evening?
recall

Used in slightly more formal contexts, often to refer to the process of retrieving specific information or memories.

  • I can't recall where I left my keys.
  • He tried to recall the details of the meeting.
retain

Used to refer to the ability to keep information in one's memory over time.

  • It's important to retain new vocabulary when learning a language.
  • Despite his age, he retains a sharp memory.

Examples of usage

  • I have a hard time remembering names.
  • She is great at remembering birthdays.
  • Remembering our childhood memories brings a smile to my face.
  • Please try remembering where you put the keys.
  • I can't help remembering the good times we had together.
Context #2 | Noun

memory

The action of remembering something.

Synonyms

memorization, recall, remembrance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
remembering

Used in casual and everyday situations when someone is thinking about past events or experiences.

  • I was remembering our trip to Italy last year
  • Remembering to take your medicine is important
recall

Often used in more formal or technical contexts to describe the act of retrieving information from memory.

  • The witness was asked to recall the events of the night
  • His recall of facts from history is impressive
memorization

Used in educational or professional contexts when referring to the process of committing information to memory.

  • The student's memorization of multiplication tables helped him in math class
  • Effective memorization techniques can improve academic performance
remembrance

Used in solemn or formal situations, often associated with honoring or recalling the memory of someone or something from the past.

  • A ceremony was held for the remembrance of those who died in the war
  • Her face showed deep remembrance of her childhood home

Examples of usage

  • His remembering of the events was crucial to solving the mystery.
  • The remembering of past experiences helps us learn from our mistakes.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Humans remember experiences that are emotionally charged better than neutral ones, a process linked to the amygdala in the brain.
  • The method of loci, also known as the memory palace technique, involves visualizing a familiar place and associating it with information you want to remember.
  • Sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, helping the brain strengthen connections related to new information.

Education

  • Active recall, where you test yourself on the material, is one of the most effective ways to enhance memory retention.
  • The spaced repetition technique suggests reviewing information over increasing intervals to improve long-term retention.
  • Multisensory learning strategies, which involve engaging multiple senses, can greatly aid in memory retention by creating stronger mental associations.

History

  • Ancient Greeks believed that memory was inspired by the goddess Mnemosyne, the personification of memory, highlighting its significance in their culture.
  • Some indigenous cultures use oral storytelling traditions to preserve history and knowledge, relying on communal memory instead of written records.
  • The invention of writing about 3,200 years ago in Mesopotamia transformed how societies stored and accessed memories, allowing them to record events beyond individual recall.

Neuroscience

  • Memory formation involves several parts of the brain, including the hippocampus, which helps bind new memories to existing knowledge.
  • Different types of memory, such as short-term and long-term, are processed and stored differently, affecting how we recall information.
  • Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change and adapt based on experiences, allowing for the formation of new memories throughout life.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, the concept of memory is often explored through themes of nostalgia, such as in the film 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', which centers around erasing memories.
  • Famous literature, like '1984' by George Orwell, delves into the manipulation of memories and history as a tool of control.
  • Television shows often use flashbacks to depict characters' memories, making viewers empathize with their past experiences and motivations.

Origin of 'remembering'

The word 'remembering' originates from the Middle English word 'remembren', which comes from the Old French 'remembrer' and the Latin 'rememorari', meaning 'to remind'. The concept of memory and remembering has been essential to human existence, allowing us to learn from the past and make informed decisions in the present. The ability to remember shapes our identities and influences our relationships with others.


See also: disremember, remember, rememberable, remembered, unremembered.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,628 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.