A2noun 1K

Memory

UK /["/ˈmeməri/"]/ US /["/ˈmeməri/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

your ability to remember things

Listen to definition

In simple words: The ability to remember things.

Examples

• My memory of that summer vacation is very vivid.
• She has a great memory for remembering names.
• He is trying to improve his memory by solving puzzles.
• I have a memory of my first pet that makes me smile.
• The computer's memory allows it to run multiple programs at once.

Usage notes

Use 'memory' in both formal and casual contexts. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations or slang. It's common to say 'in memory of' to honor someone who has passed away.

Grammar pattern

memory + of something

Memory hint

Sounds like 'mem-ory' — think of a memory as a 'me-moment'.

Collocations

• excellent
• good
• long
• jog
• refresh
• lose
• from memory
• memory for
• in living memory
• in recent memory
• if memory serves
• excellent
• good
• long
• jog
• refresh
• lose
• from memory
• memory for
• in living memory
• in recent memory
• if memory serves
• childhood
• early
• dim
• have
• bring back
• evoke
• come flooding back
• flood back
• flood somebody’s mind
• at the memory
• in memory of
• memory from
• in loving memory
• childhood
• early
• dim
• have
• bring back
• evoke
• come flooding back
• flood back
• flood somebody’s mind
• at the memory
• in memory of
• memory from
• in loving memory
• computer
• system
• cache
• expand
• take up
• stick
• drive
• slot

Synonyms

• recollection

Antonyms

• forgetfulness
• ignorance

Common mistakes

• 'Memory' is sometimes confused with 'remembrance' which has slightly different connotations.
• Learners may confuse ‘memories’ as a singular noun instead of a plural.
• Misusing ‘memorize’ and ‘memory’ as they are related but have different meanings.