What does memorably mean?
“Memorably” is an adverb meaning in a way that remains in the listener’s or reader’s memory, usually because of a striking, unusual, or strongly felt quality. It is commonly paired with words such as “witty,” “moving,” “beautiful,” and “moving,” as in “a memorably moving performance.” The adverb can also emphasize distinctiveness: something is memorably different, unusual, or characteristic. Its tone is more literary and emphatic than “rememberably,” and it is not needed in ordinary statements where the idea can be expressed directly. For example, one might describe an actor’s performance as memorably intense or a landscape as memorably dramatic, especially when the quality is likely to remain with the audience. The word derives from the adjective “memorable,” itself related to “memory” and ultimately to the Latin root for remembering.
adverbIn a way that is likely to be remembered, especially because it is striking, unusual, or significant. It can also mean notably or distinctively.
- In a way that is especially likely to be remembered.
- Notably or distinctively, with a quality that sets something apart.
"She gave a memorably witty performance that the audience still discusses years later."
"The speech was memorably concise, making its central argument impossible to overlook."
"The region is memorably beautiful, with landscapes that seem unlike anywhere else."
A memorable moment can become unforgettable; a memorably delivered idea does both at once.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does memorably come from?
The adverb was formed from the adjective “memorable,” which developed in English from Latin memorabilis, meaning “notable, worthy of remembrance.” All of these words share the Latin root memor, meaning “to remember” or “memory,” which also underlies “memory,” “memorial,” and “commemorate.” The adverb “memorably” is a later English formation expressing the manner in which something is remembered or distinguished.
Related word forms
How memorably is actually used
Relatively uncommon and somewhat literary or formal. It is most often used before a descriptive word such as “witty,” “moving,” or “beautiful,” and can carry the implication that the quality is strikingly distinctive.
Easily confused with memorably
“Memorable” is an adjective describing something worth remembering, while “memorably” is an adverb describing the manner in which an event, performance, or quality is remembered.