memorable

[ mem-er-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. worth remembering; notable:

   a memorable speech.

   Synonyms: celebrated, impressive, noteworthy

2. easily remembered.

memorable

/ ˈmɛmrə-; ˈmɛmərəbəl /

adjective

1. worth remembering or easily remembered; noteworthy

Derived Forms

• ˌmemoraˈbility, noun
• ˈmemorably, adverb

Other Words From

• memo·ra·bili·ty memo·ra·ble·ness noun
• memo·ra·bly adverb
• un·memo·ra·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of memorable¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin memorābilis “worth mentioning,” from memorā(re) “to mention” + -bilis -ble

Word History and Origins

Origin of memorable¹

C15: from Latin memorābilis, from memorāre to recall, from memor mindful

Example Sentences

The Japanese film boasts memorable, wacky characters who make real emotional connections; you have no idea where the story is going.

From Los Angeles Times

Bray native Taylor knew all about her opponent's power, having somehow stayed on her feet in a memorable fifth round of the first fight.

From BBC

Stress is a double-edged sword when it comes to memory: stressful or otherwise emotional events are usually more memorable, but stress can also make it harder for us to retrieve memories.

From Science Daily

He had already shown rare confidence in possession when he produced a memorable, magical moment, audaciously flicking a Morgan Gibbs-White cross past Vlachodimos with the inside of his right heel.

From BBC

Transformers, My Little Pony and Phase 10 are considered some of the most impactful and memorable toys of all time.

From Salon

Related Words

• catchy
• decisive
• enduring
• eventful
• extraordinary
• famous
• great
• historic
• important
• impressive
• indelible
• interesting
• meaningful
• momentous
• monumental
• notable
• remarkable
• terrific
• unforgettable

More About Memorable

What does memorable mean?

Memorable means easy to remember or worth remembering, especially due to being remarkable in a positive way.

Events, experiences, people, and things can be described as memorable. In all of these cases, the term is almost always used positively. The term unforgettable is a close synonym, but is perhaps even stronger.

Example: It was one of the most memorable moments I’ve ever experienced—I’ll never forget it.

Where does memorable come from?

The first records of the word memorable come from the 1400s. It comes from the Latin memorābilis, meaning “worth mentioning.” Several related words, like memory and remember, derive from the Latin root memor, meaning “mindful.”

Everyone has moments they’ll never forget. But describing a moment as memorable usually means it has stuck with us because it was important to us and positive. A first kiss, a special dinner, or a trip of a lifetime could all be described as memorable. But a moment doesn’t have to be grand to be memorable. Some memorable moments are simple—like a perfect summer day.

Describing a person as memorable indicates that they’ve made a strong impression—meaning you’re likely to remember them or think of them later. A person auditioning for a part or interviewing for a job wants to be memorable, especially if there are a lot of other candidates.

Other things commonly described as memorable are quotable lines from a movie, powerful speeches, and events in history—the kind where you’ll always remember where you were.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to memorable?

• memorably (adverb)
• memorability (noun)
• memorableness (noun)
• unmemorable (adjective)

What are some synonyms for memorable?

• unforgettable
• remarkable
• notable

What are some words that share a root or word element with memorable? 

• memory
• remember
• memorabilia

What are some words that often get used in discussing memorable?

 

• moment
• event
• experience
• person
• line
• enduring
• great

What are some words memorable may be commonly confused with?

• memorizable

How is memorable used in real life?

Memorable is almost always used positively.

Thinking about maybe sitting down and breaking down some of my most memorable games and moments in my career. Maybe IG Live it or just film it and hold on to it for another time. 🤔

— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 2, 2020

Blown away by tonight. Can't quite get my head round it. This was a special and forever memorable moment. The tour is going to be incredible

— Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) February 14, 2020

Finally watched “A Few Good Men.”

Meh.

Expected a classic. But it was average, maybe slightly above average.

Great cast, but no chemistry.

Basically a couple of memorable lines by Jack Nicholson amid an otherwise bland movie.

— Adam Sparks (@AdamSparks) May 22, 2020

 

 

Try using memorable!

Which of the following words is a synonym for memorable?

A. mundane
B. forgettable
C. unremarkable
D. unforgettable