memorandum
/,memə'rændə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A short written note or record used for internal communication: A document, typically brief and informal, used within an organization to communicate information, proposals, policies, or reminders. 2. A formal diplomatic communication: A written message, less formal than a note, exchanged between governments or diplomatic representatives. 3. A legal document outlining terms: A written statement that records the preliminary terms of a transaction or agreement.
Usage
- A memorandum is used for internal office communication to announce policies, share information, or propose ideas.
- It is often abbreviated as memo (plural: memos).
- It is typically structured with headings such as To, From, Date, and Subject.
Examples
- Internal Communication:
- The manager sent a memorandum to all staff about the new safety procedures.
- Please read the memo on the bulletin board regarding the schedule change.
- Diplomatic Context:
- The embassy submitted a diplomatic memorandum to the foreign ministry.
- Legal/Business Context:
- The lawyers drafted a memorandum of understanding to outline the deal's key points.
Advanced Usage
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): A formal agreement between two or more parties that outlines their mutual goals and responsibilities. It is often used before a formal contract.
- The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a joint venture.
- To make a memorandum of something: (Formal) To write something down so it is remembered or recorded.
- He made a memorandum of the key decisions from the meeting.
Variants and Related Words
- Memo (n.): The common, abbreviated form of memorandum.
- I'll send you a quick memo about that.
- Memoranda (n.): A traditional plural form of memorandum, often used in formal or legal contexts.
- The file contained several confidential memoranda.
- Memorandums (n.): Also a correct, commonly used plural form.
Synonyms
- Note: A brief written record.
- Message: A communicated piece of information.
- Dispatch: A formal official report or message.
- Minute: A written summary of the proceedings of a meeting.
Related Phrases
- Circular memorandum: A memo distributed to a large group of people within an organization.
- A circular memorandum was emailed to all department heads.
- Internal memorandum: A memo intended only for use within a single organization.
- The details are in an internal memorandum, so we cannot share it publicly.
Noun
- a written proposal or reminder