memorably

memorably — adverb

1. so as to create a strong impression that is not easily forgotten, especially bec

1.adverbB2
Definition

so as to create a strong impression that is not easily forgotten, especially because something is striking, unusual, or exceptionally well done

Example

Ryo memorably described the mountain village as 'a place where time slows down'.

memorably + verb of speaking (described)

The soprano's final aria was memorably beautiful, drawing tears from the entire audience.

memorably + adjective (beautiful)

Common collocations
  • memorably + adjective (beautiful, brief, funny, moving)
  • memorably + verb (described, captured, sang, spoke, performed)
Synonyms
  • unforgettably

    stronger emotional connotation; suggests something that will never fade from memory

  • strikingly

    emphasises the visual or intellectual impact rather than long-term memory

  • notably

    broader meaning; can refer to anything worthy of attention, not just memorable experiences

Antonyms
  • unremarkably

    the opposite — in a way that attracts no special notice

Usage Note

This adverb commonly appears directly before the adjective or verb it modifies (e.g. memorably beautiful, memorably described). It is less often used at the start of a sentence as a sentence adverb.

Common Mistakes

The view was memorably.
The view was memorably beautiful.
memorably is an adverb and cannot stand alone as a complement after 'be'; it must modify another adjective or a verb.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

These four adverbs all describe something worthy of attention, but with different emphases. Memorably focuses on the effect of long-term recall — a moment that stays with you. Unforgettably is more intense, suggesting the experience can never be erased from memory (e.g. an unforgettably powerful performance). Strikingly draws attention to the immediate impression something makes (e.g. a strikingly modern building), without necessarily implying it will be remembered. Notably is the broadest of the four; it simply means 'in a way worth noticing' and often introduces facts or achievements (e.g. notably, she was the first woman to hold the post). To choose among them, ask: am I describing how well something sticks in memory (memorably / unforgettably), how strong its visual or sensory impact is (strikingly), or how remarkable it is in a more factual sense (notably)?

memorably ↗unforgettablystrikinglynotably ↗

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Formed by adding the adverb-forming suffix -ly to the adjective memorable. Memorable comes from Latin memorabilis ('worth remembering'), which is derived from memor ('mindful' or 'remembering'). The word entered English in the late 15th century.