Definition

Verb (transitive): 1. To commit something to memory; to learn something by heart so that you can remember it exactly. This refers to the conscious process of storing information in one's memory through study or repetition, with the intent of accurate future recall.

Usage

The verb "memorize" is used with a direct object (the thing being learned). It describes a deliberate, often effortful, act of learning. * You memorize facts, dates, a poem, a speech, a phone number, a password, or lines for a play. * It is often used in academic, professional, or performance contexts where precise recall is required.

Examples

• The students had to memorize all the state capitals. (The students deliberately learned the capitals by heart.)
• As an actor, she can memorize lengthy scripts very quickly.
• I've tried to memorize his phone number, but I keep forgetting it.
• Before the era of calculators, people memorized multiplication tables.

Advanced Usage

• "To have something memorized": This structure emphasizes the state of having completed the act of memorization.
  • Don't worry about the speech; I have the first ten minutes memorized already.
• The process or ability of memorizing can be referred to as "memorization" (noun).
  • Rote memorization is less effective than understanding concepts.

Variants and Related Words

• Memorise: The British English spelling of "memorize."
• Memorization (noun): The act or process of memorizing.
• Memory (noun): The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information.
• Memorabilia (noun): Objects kept or collected because of their historical interest or connection to memorable events. (Note: This is a different concept, related to "memory" but not to the act of "memorizing.")

Synonyms

• Learn by heart: To learn something so well that you can repeat it exactly.
• Commit to memory: A more formal phrase meaning to memorize.
• Learn verbatim: To learn the exact words of something.

Antonyms

• Forget: To fail to remember.
• Overlook: To fail to notice or consider.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms

• To know something by rote: To have memorized something through repetition, often without full understanding.
  • He knew the rules by rote but didn't understand their purpose.
• To burn something into one's memory/mind: To cause something to be remembered permanently, often because it was very shocking or significant. (This implies a more passive or traumatic form of strong memory formation, unlike the active effort of "memorize.")
  • The image of the accident was burned into her memory.

Verb

1. commit to memory; learn by heart
   • Have you memorized your lines for the play yet?