memory
Memory is the ability to store information in your brain and recall it later.
Explanation at your level:
Your memory is in your head. It helps you remember names, colors, and words. When you learn English, you use your memory to remember new words every day. It is a very helpful part of your brain!
A memory is something you remember from the past. For example, a memory of your last birthday party. Everyone has a memory. Some people have a good memory and remember many things. Other people have a bad memory and forget things easily.
We use the word memory to talk about our ability to store information. You can have a 'short-term memory' for things that just happened, or a 'long-term memory' for things from years ago. If you want to keep a memory forever, you might take a photo or write it down in a journal.
The term memory is quite versatile. Beyond the biological function, we often speak of 'nostalgia' or 'taking a trip down memory lane.' It is interesting how our memories can change over time; sometimes we remember things differently than they actually happened. This is a common topic in psychology and literature.
In advanced English, memory often appears in discussions regarding cognitive science or collective history. We talk about 'collective memory,' which refers to the shared pool of knowledge and information in the memories of two or more members of a social group. It is a powerful concept that shapes culture and identity.
At the C2 level, we explore the nuances of memory as an abstract construct. It is not merely a storage device but an active, reconstructive process. Philosophers and writers often ponder the reliability of memory, questioning whether our 'memories' are objective truths or subjective narratives we construct to define our existence. It is a profound subject that bridges the gap between science, art, and the human condition.
30秒でわかる単語
- Memory is the brain's storage system.
- It can be an ability or a specific event.
- Commonly used in idioms like 'trip down memory lane'.
- Essential for learning and identity.
Think of your memory as the ultimate personal filing system. It is the incredible ability of your brain to take in information, save it, and then bring it back out when you need it later. Whether you are remembering your ABCs or the taste of your favorite birthday cake, that is all thanks to your memory.
We use this word in two main ways. First, it refers to the mental capacity itself—the biological hardware that makes learning possible. Second, it refers to the content stored there. When you say, 'I have a great memory of that trip,' you are talking about a specific, stored experience. It is a fundamental part of being human!
The word memory has a beautiful, ancient history. It travels back to the Old French word memoire, which itself came from the Latin memoria. This Latin root is tied to the word memor, meaning 'mindful' or 'remembering.'
Interestingly, this root is connected to the Proto-Indo-European base *(s)mer-, which means 'to remember.' This same root gave us words like 'commemorate' and 'memento.' It is fascinating to think that when we use this word today, we are using a linguistic thread that stretches back thousands of years to describe the very same human experience of holding onto the past.
Using the word memory correctly is all about the context. In daily life, we often talk about having a 'good' or 'bad' memory. You might say, 'My memory is a bit fuzzy today,' which is a common, casual way to admit you are having trouble recalling something.
In more formal or academic settings, you might hear about 'long-term memory' or 'cognitive memory.' These are technical terms used in psychology. Regardless of the setting, remember that memory is typically an uncountable noun when referring to the ability, but it becomes countable when referring to specific events, like 'I have many happy memories of summer.' Always check if you are talking about the skill or the specific event!
Idioms make language colorful! Here are five common ones:
- In living memory: Something that happened within the time that people who are still alive can remember.
- Jog someone's memory: To help someone remember something they have forgotten.
- Commit to memory: To learn something by heart or memorize it.
- Memory lane: A metaphorical place you visit when you reminisce about the past.
- Like a sieve: Used to describe a very bad memory (e.g., 'My memory is like a sieve today!').
Grammatically, memory is a noun. It can be singular ('a memory') or plural ('memories'). When talking about the general ability, we usually don't use an article, as in 'Memory is a complex process.' Pronunciation-wise, in the US, it sounds like MEM-uh-ree, while in the UK, the middle syllable is often dropped or softened to MEM-ree.
It rhymes with words like 'treasury' and 'refinery.' The stress is always on the first syllable. Keep an eye on the spelling; it is easy to accidentally drop the second 'e' if you aren't careful!
Fun Fact
The word is related to 'commemorate', which literally means 'to remember together'.
Pronunciation Guide
The middle syllable is often elided.
Clearer pronunciation of all three syllables.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the middle 'o' as a full vowel
- Misplacing the stress on the second syllable
- Adding an extra sound at the end
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very accessible.
Standard usage.
Commonly used.
Easy to hear.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
上級
Grammar to Know
Countable vs Uncountable Nouns
I have memories (C) / Memory is important (U).
Adjective placement
A good memory.
Idiomatic Verb Phrases
Commit to memory.
Examples by Level
I have a good memory.
I remember well.
Simple subject-verb-object.
Do you remember me?
Do you have a memory of me?
Question form.
This is a happy memory.
A nice thought from the past.
Singular noun.
I forget things easily.
My memory is not strong.
Adverb usage.
Write it down to remember.
Use your memory.
Imperative.
He has a bad memory.
He forgets often.
Adjective + noun.
I love my memories.
My past experiences.
Plural noun.
It is a clear memory.
I remember it well.
Adjective + noun.
I have many memories of my school days.
She has a photographic memory.
Can you jog my memory?
I lost my memory of the accident.
This song brings back memories.
He committed the poem to memory.
My memory is not as good as it used to be.
We should preserve these memories.
The computer has a lot of memory.
It is etched in my memory forever.
He has a memory for faces but not names.
We took a trip down memory lane.
The witness had a hazy memory of the event.
She has a memory like an elephant.
I am trying to refresh my memory.
The event is still fresh in my memory.
The trauma affected his long-term memory.
The museum serves as a place of collective memory.
She has a sharp memory for detail.
His memory of the incident is unreliable.
We must honor the memory of the fallen.
The software requires more memory to run.
He has a selective memory when it comes to chores.
The book is a vivid memory of her childhood.
The narrative is a reconstruction of fragmented memories.
Cultural memory plays a vital role in national identity.
Her memory of the conversation was remarkably precise.
The artist explores the fallibility of human memory.
He possesses an encyclopedic memory of historical facts.
The incident left a lasting impression on his memory.
We are engaging in a collective act of memory.
The system's memory capacity is insufficient.
The mnemonic device helped him retain the information.
Her memoir is a poignant exploration of memory and loss.
The concept of 'anamnesis' relates to the recovery of memory.
He suffers from a deficit in his working memory.
The architecture of the building evokes a sense of collective memory.
Memory is an inherently subjective and malleable process.
The study examines the neurobiology of memory consolidation.
She has an uncanny memory for obscure details.
よく使う組み合わせ
Idioms & Expressions
"trip down memory lane"
reminiscing about the past
Looking at these photos is a real trip down memory lane.
casual"like a sieve"
having a very bad memory
I can't remember anything; my memory is like a sieve!
casual"in living memory"
within the experience of people still alive
It was the coldest winter in living memory.
neutral"jog someone's memory"
to stimulate someone's recall
I showed him the receipt to jog his memory.
neutral"commit to memory"
to memorize
You need to commit these formulas to memory.
formal"if memory serves"
if I remember correctly
If memory serves, the meeting is at noon.
neutralEasily Confused
Both relate to the past.
Remembrance is for honoring; memory is for recalling.
Day of Remembrance vs. My memory of the day.
Same root word.
Memorize is the verb; memory is the noun.
I need to memorize this for my memory test.
Relates to past memories.
Reminisce is the act of talking about memories.
We sat and reminisced about our memories.
Related to remembering.
A reminder is an external object; memory is internal.
I set a reminder to help my memory.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + have + a + [adj] + memory
I have a sharp memory.
Commit + [object] + to + memory
Commit the rules to memory.
In + memory + of + [person]
A statue in memory of the hero.
Bring + back + memories
This song brings back memories.
Refresh + one's + memory
I checked my notes to refresh my memory.
語族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
関連
How to Use It
9
Formality Scale
よくある間違い
While grammatically okay, it is more natural to use the verb 'remember' for people.
Native speakers prefer 'have a [adjective] memory' over 'my memory is [adjective]'.
Must use the plural 'memories' when talking about multiple events.
Missing the idiomatic 'like an'.
The idiom is 'commit to memory', not 'make to memory'.
Tips
Memory Palace
Associate new words with rooms in your house.
Native Usage
Use 'have a memory of' for past events.
Cultural Insight
Memories are often associated with nostalgia in English.
Grammar Shortcut
Memory + of = specific event.
Say It Right
Focus on the first syllable stress.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'I have a memory of him' if you mean 'I remember him'.
Did You Know?
The word is related to 'memento'.
Study Smart
Use flashcards to memorize vocabulary.
UK vs US
UK speakers often swallow the middle syllable.
Formal vs Casual
Use 'recollection' in formal writing.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
MEM-o-ry: My Excellent Mind Opens Really Yielding information.
Visual Association
Imagine a library inside your head where every book is a memory.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to recall three specific memories from last week.
語源
Latin
Original meaning: mindful, remembering
文化的な背景
None, though talking about loss of memory can be a sensitive topic regarding health.
Memory is often used in sentimental contexts, especially regarding family and childhood.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
School
- Memorize the dates
- Test my memory
- Commit to memory
Technology
- Insufficient memory
- Clear the memory
- Expand memory
Social
- Trip down memory lane
- Fond memories
- If memory serves
Health
- Failing memory
- Memory loss
- Improve memory
Conversation Starters
"What is your earliest childhood memory?"
"Do you have a good memory for names?"
"What is a song that always brings back memories?"
"How do you usually commit new information to memory?"
"Do you think our memories change as we get older?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a memory that makes you smile.
Write about a place you visited and the memories associated with it.
If you could delete one memory, would you?
How do you keep your memory sharp?
よくある質問
8 問Yes, when referring to specific events (e.g., 'I have two memories of that day'). No, when referring to the mental ability.
Memory is a noun (the thing), remember is a verb (the action).
Yes, it refers to the storage capacity of the machine.
US: MEM-uh-ree, UK: MEM-ree.
The ability to recall images or text with perfect accuracy.
Only when you are talking about more than one specific event.
It implies a gentle push to help the brain find information.
It is neutral and used in all contexts.
自分をテスト
I have a good ___.
Memory is the correct noun for remembering.
Which means to learn something by heart?
Memorize is the verb form.
Memory is only ever an uncountable noun.
It can be countable when referring to specific events.
Word
意味
These are common idioms.
My memory is a vivid one of childhood.
スコア： /5
Summary
Memory is the bridge between our past experiences and our present self.
- Memory is the brain's storage system.
- It can be an ability or a specific event.
- Commonly used in idioms like 'trip down memory lane'.
- Essential for learning and identity.
Memory Palace
Associate new words with rooms in your house.
Native Usage
Use 'have a memory of' for past events.
Cultural Insight
Memories are often associated with nostalgia in English.
Grammar Shortcut
Memory + of = specific event.
例文
She has a very good memory for people's names.
Related Content
動画で見る
![Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Final - Ending [sub. español]](https://sublearn.com/storage/thumbnails/gdlf-texJaM.jpg)
6:41
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Final - Ending [sub. español]
"She has a very good memory for people's names."
2:20
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - Please Let Me Keep This Memory
"She has a very good memory for people's names."
2:30
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (9/11) Movie CLIP - Clementine's Tape (2004) HD
"She has a very good memory for people's names."
Educationの関連語
abalihood
C1スキル習得のための潜在的な可能性や、そのための素質がある状態を表します。
abcedation
C1Abcedation refers to the act of teaching, learning, or arranging something in alphabetical order. It is an obscure or technical term used primarily in archival, linguistic, or historical educational contexts to describe systematic organization or initial literacy.
abcognful
C1An abcognful refers to the maximum amount of abstract cognitive data an individual can consciously process or hold in working memory at one time. It is a specialized term used in psychometric testing to quantify the upper limits of conceptual synthesis and mental agility.
ability
A1Ability is the physical or mental power or skill needed to do something. It describes what a person is capable of achieving through talent or training.
abspirary
C1研究や計画の中心ではなく、本来の目的から少しずれた副次的な目標のこと。
abstract
B2A brief summary of a research paper, thesis, or report that highlights the main points and findings. It is typically found at the beginning of a document to help readers quickly understand the core purpose and results.
abstruse
C1Describing something that is difficult to understand because it is intellectual, complex, or obscure. It is typically used for subjects, theories, or language that require significant effort or specialized knowledge to grasp.
academic
A2Relating to schools, colleges, and universities, or connected to studying and thinking rather than practical or technical skills. It is often used to describe subjects like history, math, and science that are studied in an educational setting.
accreditation
B2教育機関やプログラムが一定の品質基準を満たしていると公式に認められること。信頼の証だね。
acquire
A2To obtain or get something, such as a physical object, a skill, or knowledge, often through effort or purchase. It is frequently used to describe a gradual process of learning or a formal business transaction.
