Definition

Noun (plural of memorandum) 1. Short written notes or records: Brief documents written to aid memory, to record facts for future reference, or to serve as informal communication within an organization. 2. Informal written communications: Documents, often internal, used to announce policies, share information, or make proposals within a business, government, or institution.

Usage

• Memoranda is the traditional and often preferred plural form in formal, academic, and legal contexts.
• It is used as a countable noun. You can have one memorandum or several memoranda.
• It is commonly abbreviated as memo (singular) and memos (plural) in everyday business English.

Examples

• The manager circulated several memoranda regarding the new safety protocols.
• All confidential memoranda must be stored in the locked cabinet.
• His files contained memoranda of meetings and telephone conversations.
• The committee reviewed the memoranda from the previous fiscal year.

Advanced Usage

• Diplomatic Memorandum: A formal, usually unsigned, summary of a diplomatic conversation or a detailed proposal.
  • The ambassador submitted a diplomatic memorandum outlining the terms for negotiation.
• Legal Memorandum: A document analyzing legal issues, often written by a lawyer for colleagues or a client.
  • The associate prepared a legal memorandum on the implications of the new statute.

Variants and Related Words

• Memorandum (n): The singular form.
• Memo (n, informal): The common short form.
• Memorandums (n): An accepted, though less common, plural form.

Synonyms

• Note: A brief record of points or ideas.
• Message: A written or spoken piece of communication.
• Communication: A letter, email, or message containing information.
• Dispatch: An official report or message, often sent quickly.
• Minute (often plural: minutes): A written summary of the proceedings of a meeting.

Related Phrases

• To issue a memorandum: To formally send out a memo.
  • The director will issue a memorandum to all staff next week.
• As per the memorandum: According to the instructions or information in the memo (formal).
  • As per the memorandum, all expenses must be pre-approved.

Noun

1. a written proposal or reminder