memorable

[ mem-er-uh-buhl ]
/ ˈmɛm ər ə bəl /

adjective

worth remembering; notable: a memorable speech.
easily remembered.

Origin of memorable

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin memorābilis worth mentioning, equivalent to memorā(re) to mention + -bilis -ble

OTHER WORDS FROM memorable

mem·o·ra·bil·i·ty, mem·o·ra·ble·ness, noun mem·o·ra·bly, adverb un·mem·o·ra·ble, adjective

VOCAB BUILDER

What does memorable mean?

Memorable means easy to remember or worth remembering, especially due to being remarkable in a positive way.

Events, experiences, people, and things can be described as memorable. In all of these cases, the term is almost always used positively. The term unforgettable is a close synonym, but is perhaps even stronger.

Example: It was one of the most memorable moments I’ve ever experienced—I’ll never forget it.

Where does memorable come from?

The first records of the word memorable come from the 1400s. It comes from the Latin memorābilis, meaning “worth mentioning.” Several related words, like memory and remember, derive from the Latin root memor, meaning “mindful.”

Everyone has moments they’ll never forget. But describing a moment as memorable usually means it has stuck with us because it was important to us and positive. A first kiss, a special dinner, or a trip of a lifetime could all be described as memorable. But a moment doesn’t have to be grand to be memorable. Some memorable moments are simple—like a perfect summer day.

Describing a person as memorable indicates that they’ve made a strong impression—meaning you’re likely to remember them or think of them later. A person auditioning for a part or interviewing for a job wants to be memorable, especially if there are a lot of other candidates.

Other things commonly described as memorable are quotable lines from a movie, powerful speeches, and events in history—the kind where you’ll always remember where you were.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to memorable?

  • memorably (adverb)
  • memorability (noun)
  • memorableness (noun)
  • unmemorable (adjective)

What are some synonyms for memorable?

What are some words that share a root or word element with memorable

What are some words that often get used in discussing memorable?

 

What are some words memorable may be commonly confused with?

How is memorable used in real life?

Memorable is almost always used positively.

 

 

Try using memorable!

Which of the following words is a synonym for memorable?

A. mundane
B. forgettable
C. unremarkable
D. unforgettable

Example sentences from the Web for memorable

British Dictionary definitions for memorable

memorable
/ (ˈmɛmərəbəl, ˈmɛmrə-) /

adjective

worth remembering or easily remembered; noteworthy

Derived forms of memorable

memorability or memorableness, noun memorably, adverb

Word Origin for memorable

C15: from Latin memorābilis, from memorāre to recall, from memor mindful