collective memory

USAGE SUMMARY

'collective memory' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the shared memories, experiences and beliefs of a group of people or community. For example, "The people of our town have a powerful collective memory, connecting us all to our shared history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A public memorial or a ruin is a scaffold, something on which collective memory can hang.

The New York Times - Arts

Such images entered the collective memory.

The New Yorker

"We have the collective memory".

The New York Times

They people our collective memory.

The New York Times

Those events are etched in collective memory.

The New York Times - Tech

But its collective memory is short.

The Guardian

But how short the collective memory!

The New York Times

The collective memory is becoming eroded.

The Guardian

In collective memory, however, it was eclipsed long ago.

The New York Times

We have a collective memory, a backlog of common information".

The New York Times - Magazine

Like movies, they become part of our collective memory.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing historical events, use "collective memory" to highlight how a group's shared understanding of the past influences their present actions and beliefs.

Common error

Don't assume that "collective memory" is a monolithic entity. Recognize that different groups within a society may have conflicting or competing memories of the same event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collective memory" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a shared pool of memories, knowledge, and experiences held by a group. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "collective memory" is a frequently used and grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies a shared understanding of the past within a group or society. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. While the phrase is generally used with a neutral tone, it's important to recognize that different groups may have conflicting memories, and that "collective memory" can be subject to distortion. Alternatives such as "shared societal knowledge" or "communal remembrance" can be used to add nuance. Recognizing and critically examining "collective memory" is vital for understanding social dynamics and historical narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared cultural memory

Combines the aspects of culture and memory that are shared.

popular memory

Refers to memories that are widely held and circulated in society.

communal remembrance

Highlights the act of remembering together as a community.

group recollection

Emphasizes the act of recalling events by a group.

shared societal knowledge

Focuses on the knowledge aspect rather than the act of remembering.

collective consciousness

Emphasizes the shared beliefs and attitudes which unify a society.

societal consciousness

Shifts the focus to awareness and understanding within society.

historical narrative

Focuses on the constructed story of the past, often with a specific viewpoint.

national consciousness

Specifies that the shared consciousness belongs to an entire nation.

cultural heritage

Refers to the inherited traditions, monuments, objects, and culture, not just memories.

FAQs

How is "collective memory" formed?

The "collective memory" is formed through shared experiences, cultural transmission, education, media representation, and storytelling within a group or society.

What role does art play in shaping "collective memory"?

Art serves as a powerful medium for preserving, interpreting, and shaping the "collective memory" by offering visual and emotional representations of historical events and cultural values.

How can "collective memory" be distorted or manipulated?

"Collective memory" can be distorted through propaganda, censorship, historical revisionism, and the selective omission or misrepresentation of facts.

What is the difference between "public memory" and "collective memory"?

While closely related, "collective memory" refers to the shared memories of a specific group, whereas "public memory" encompasses a broader societal understanding and commemoration of the past.