What does memorise mean?
Memorise means to learn something and retain it in memory so that it can be recalled accurately, often without looking at notes or hearing it again. It is especially associated with learning by heart, whether that means poems, vocabulary, formulae, historical dates, or sequences of information. In education, the term describes a deliberate method of committing material to memory, although successful memorisation may be strengthened by understanding the subject. The word can sometimes carry a faintly mechanical connotation, suggesting repetition rather than meaningful engagement, but it remains a precise and useful description of purposeful learning. British English generally uses the spelling “memorise,” while American English uses “memorize.”
verbTo learn something so that it can be recalled accurately and without looking it up. It especially refers to learning words, facts, or passages by heart.
- To learn and retain information in the mind so that it can be recalled accurately, especially by heart.
"She memorised the poem and recited it perfectly at the ceremony."
"The students memorised the list of spelling words before the test."
"He memorised the directions carefully before setting out on the long drive."
Memorising is not the same as merely understanding: one involves storing a precise sequence in memory, ready to reproduce it later.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of memorise
The word belongs to a family of English forms connected with Latin memor, meaning “mindful” or “remembering.” Its development also reflects the widespread English use of the suffix “-ise” in words formed from Latin roots, with the British spelling convention retaining the “s” in verbs such as “memorise.” Related English words include “memory,” “memorable,” “memorial,” and “commemorate.”
Related word forms
How memorise is actually used
Common in formal and educational contexts. In British English, “memorise” is the usual spelling; American English commonly uses “memorize.” The word often suggests deliberate learning and accurate recall rather than incidental familiarity.