memory

memory — noun

1. The power that your brain has to keep and later bring back information about thi

1.nounB1
Definition

The power that your brain has to keep and later bring back information about things you have learned or experienced.

Example

Sumin has an excellent memory for names and rarely forgets a face.

memory for [something] — the thing easily remembered

As people grow older, their short-term memory often becomes less reliable.

collocation: short-term / long-term memory

Common collocations
  • good memory
  • poor memory
  • short-term memory
  • long-term memory
  • photographic memory
  • memory loss
  • memory for details
Synonyms
  • recall

    usually refers to the act of remembering rather than the capacity; 'total recall' means the ability to remember everything.

  • recollection

    more formal than memory; often suggests a deliberate effort to remember something specific.

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

memory + for + [something]

have + a/an + [adjective] + memory

Usage Note

Often modified by adjectives describing quality (good, poor, photographic, visual, short-term). Use 'memory for' to state the type of thing remembered (a memory for faces, a memory for dates).

Common Mistakes

I have a good remind of what happened.
I have a good memory of what happened.
'remind' is a verb; 'memory' is the noun for the ability to recall.

2. A specific thought, image, or experience from an earlier time that comes back in

2.nounA2
Definition

A specific thought, image, or experience from an earlier time that comes back into your mind.

Example

One of Arjun's fondest memories is of helping his father build a treehouse.

fondest + memories — common adjective-noun collocation

The old photograph brought back a flood of childhood memories for Adina.

collocation: bring back + memories

Common collocations
  • fond memories
  • childhood memories
  • vivid memories
  • distant memories
  • happy memories
  • painful memories
  • bring back memories
  • memories of home
Synonyms
  • recollection

    slightly more formal; often implies a deliberate effort to retrieve a memory.

  • reminiscence

    implies a pleasurable, nostalgic remembering of past experiences, often shared with others.

  • remembrance

    formal, often used in commemorative contexts.

Grammar Patterns

memory + of + [noun/gerund]

[adjective] + memories

Usage Note

This sense is countable and can be singular (a memory) or plural (memories). Common verbs used with this sense include bring back, trigger, evoke, cherish, share, and treasure. Adding an adjective (fond, happy, distant, painful, vague) helps the reader know this is a specific recollection, not the ability sense.

Common Mistakes

I have memory of that trip.' (ambiguous — could mean ability or recollection).
I have a fond memory of that trip.
adding an adjective or article makes the sense clear.

3. The components inside a computer or other electronic device that hold data and p

3.nounB1
Definition

The components inside a computer or other electronic device that hold data and programs for either quick access during operation or long-term keeping.

Example

The new laptop has sixteen gigabytes of memory, enough for all her design files.

measurement: [number] + gigabytes of memory

Caio deleted several old apps to free up memory on his mobile phone.

collocation: free up / run out of memory

Common collocations
  • system memory
  • memory card
  • memory chip
  • memory space
  • memory upgrade
  • free up memory
  • run out of memory
  • gigabytes of memory
Synonyms
  • RAM

    specific type of memory used for short-term data access; not interchangeable with general storage.

  • storage

    broader term; includes hard drives and SSDs, not just memory chips.

Grammar Patterns

memory + noun (memory card)

[number] + of + memory

run out of + memory

Usage Note

Uncountable when referring to storage capacity in general (My phone has plenty of memory). Countable when referring to a specific device such as a memory chip or memory card (I bought two memories for the server). In everyday speech, the uncountable use is far more common.

Common Mistakes

I saved the file in my memory.
I saved the file to the computer memory.
Without context, 'memory' alone is understood as the human ability, not computer storage.

4. The range of past years that falls within what a particular person or community

4.nounB2
Definition

The range of past years that falls within what a particular person or community can still recall.

Example

Within living memory, the village has never experienced a flood this severe.

fixed phrase: within living memory

Last winter was the coldest in recent memory across the whole region.

fixed phrase: in recent memory

Common collocations
  • living memory
  • recent memory
  • recorded memory
  • beyond memory
  • within memory
Synonyms
  • lifetime

    refers to the period a person is alive, not specifically what they remember.

Grammar Patterns

in/within + [determiner] + memory

beyond + memory

Usage Note

This sense is almost always used in fixed prepositional phrases: 'in/within living memory' (within the lifetime of people alive now), 'in recent memory' (in the recent past that people remember), 'beyond/within memory'. It is rarely used outside these patterns.

Common Mistakes

This is the biggest storm of my memory.
This is the biggest storm in living memory.
'in living memory' is the standard fixed phrase; 'of my memory' is not idiomatic.

5. The way someone is thought of after they die, or the fact that their life is kep

5.nounB2
Definition

The way someone is thought of after they die, or the fact that their life is kept in people's thoughts.

Example

The community planted a cherry tree in the park in memory of Dr. Nakamura.

fixed expression: in memory of [someone]

Kevin's grandfather left a strong memory as a generous and honest man.

Common collocations
  • in memory of
  • honour the memory
  • memory lives on
  • cherish the memory
  • keep the memory alive
Synonyms
  • legacy

    broader — includes achievements, possessions, and influence, not just what people remember.

  • reputation

    focuses on what people think of someone while alive; memory emphasizes posthumous remembrance.

Grammar Patterns

in memory of + [someone]

honour/keep alive + the memory of + [someone]

Usage Note

Often appears in the fixed expression 'in memory of' before a commemorative act. Other common patterns include 'honour/respect/keep alive the memory of' someone. This sense is typically formal and used in obituaries, dedications, and eulogies.

Idioms

be etched on your heart/memory/mind

idiom

You remember something very clearly because it made a strong impression on you.

The day we met is etched on my memory forever.

Her final words were etched on his heart.

have a memory/mind like a sieve

idiom

You forget things very easily.

My grandfather has a memory like a sieve now.

I have a mind like a sieve; I always lose my keys.

jog somebody’s memory

idiom

To do or say something that helps someone remember something.

Showing her the photo jogged her memory.

Can you tell me a detail to jog my memory?

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

Memory is the broadest and most common term for something from the past that comes to mind — it covers any mental image or impression preserved from experience ('I have fond memories of that summer'). Recollection often implies a conscious effort to retrieve information rather than an involuntary image ('I have no recollection of meeting her'). Reminiscence suggests a warm, nostalgic dwelling on the past, often shared with others ('Grandmother enjoys reminiscences of her childhood in the countryside'). Remembrance is more formal and typically linked to honouring someone or something after they have died ('Remembrance Day', 'a gift in remembrance of her generosity'). Recall can function as a noun meaning either the ability to retrieve information ('she has remarkable recall for historical dates') or the act of remembering itself ('total recall'). Use recollection for deliberate mental searching, reminiscence for emotional nostalgia, remembrance for formal commemoration, and recall for cognitive ability.

recollection ↗reminiscenceremembrance ↗recall ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • memory loss
  • memory card
  • memory chip
  • memory test
  • memory game
  • memory bank

Adverbs

Phrases

  • commit to memory
  • to the best of my memory
  • if memory serves
  • a trip down memory lane
  • memory like a sieve

Prepositions

  • from memory
  • in memory of
  • within memory
  • beyond memory

Etymology

Indo-EuropeanLatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'memory' entered English in the 13th century from Old French 'memorie', which came from Latin 'memoria' meaning 'remembrance, awareness of a fact or experience'. The Latin root is related to 'memor' (mindful, remembering) and ultimately to the Indo-European base '*men-' meaning 'to think'. The computer sense emerged in the mid-20th century as electronic storage devices became common.