Memorise: Definition and Part of Speech
Memorise is a verb meaning to commit something to memory so that it can be recalled later. It involves learning by heart or retaining information for future recall.
Grammatical Forms:
- Present: memorise (British English) / memorize (American English)
- Past: memorised / memorized
- Participle: memorising / memorizing
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learn by heart | To learn something thoroughly, typically for an examination or performance. | “She had learned the speech by heart.” | Formal/Informal |
| Recite | To repeat from memory a set piece of writing, speech, etc. | “The poet could recite his works with great emotion.” | Literary/Formal |
| Commit to memory | To retain something so that it can be remembered or recalled later. | “He committed all the lines to memory before the show.” | Formal/Semi-formal |
| Drill | To repeatedly practice and rehearse a task until it is mastered. | “The students had drilled their times tables every day.” | Informal/Business |
Usage Notes
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Learn by heart: Often used in educational settings where one must know material for exams or presentations. It implies deep familiarity with the content.
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Recite: Used in contexts involving performance, such as poetry readings or religious services. This term carries a literary tone and may be less common in everyday speech.
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Commit to memory: A formal phrase suitable for academic writing. It suggests intentional effort put into learning something thoroughly.
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Drill: Commonly used in military or sports training scenarios where repetition is key. In business, it might refer to practice sessions aimed at improving skills.
Common Pitfalls
A typical mistake is using “memorize” (American spelling) interchangeably with “memorise” (British spelling), which could lead to confusion depending on the audience. Also, learners sometimes use these synonyms interchangeably without noting their nuanced differences—particularly between “learn by heart” and “recite,” where the former emphasizes internal learning while the latter focuses on external performance.
Final Recap
In expanding your vocabulary, it’s useful to understand the subtle nuances of synonyms for memorise:
- Learn by heart implies thorough understanding.
- Recite is about verbal repetition, often from memory.
- Commit to memory suggests a deliberate effort to remember something.
- Drill focuses on repetitive practice for mastery.
To better grasp these distinctions, try using each synonym in context. Write sentences or have conversations where you choose the most appropriate term based on its specific connotation and style. This practical approach will help reinforce your understanding and expand your lexical repertoire effectively.