memorize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "memorize" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the word in any situation where you need to describe the action of committing something to memory, such as studying for an exam, or learning a new skill. Example sentence: I'm trying to memorize the dialogue from my theatre class.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The steady growth of libraries was facilitated by the entrenchment of the civil service system, founded in the 2nd century during the Han dynasty and lasting into the 20th century; this required applicants to memorize classics and to pass difficult examinations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Steamboat pilots had to memorize or cunningly estimate the depths and potential obstacles along long stretches of river in order to navigate safely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Medical students memorize these signs by using the mnemonic of Apgar's name: appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It clearly would be impossible to memorize trivial names for such a large number of compounds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of the few choreographers to come to a first rehearsal with clear and complete ideas for a ballet, Fokine had great facility and speed in choreographic invention, intense musicality, and the ability to memorize an orchestral score.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Students were expected to memorize the Qurʾān as perfectly as possible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Among the most advanced passive homing systems were optically tracking munitions that could "see" a visual or infrared image in much the same way as the human eye does, memorize it by means of computer logic, and home onto it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Von Neumann showed signs of genius in early childhood: he could joke in Classical Greek and, for a family stunt, he could quickly memorize a page from a telephone book and recite its numbers and addresses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While searching, Shopper would memorize a few of the items stocked in each shop visited (just as a human shopper might).

Encyclopedia Britannica

(It was fairly easy for a bright, ambitious young boy to memorize the Bible, and it would have been very difficult and expensive for Paul as an adult to carry around dozens of bulky scrolls).

Encyclopedia Britannica

This talented mathematician has been said to recall with complete accuracy a list of 25 unrelated words after only a brief effort to memorize, and to recite the value of pi (an endless number) to a thousand places or more.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use active recall techniques, such as flashcards or spaced repetition, to effectively "memorize" information for long-term retention.

Common error

Don't just "memorize" facts without understanding their context or meaning. Focus on comprehension to ensure lasting knowledge and the ability to apply what you've learned.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "memorize" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. It describes the action of committing something to memory, as seen in the Ludwig examples like, 'Students were expected to "memorize" the Qurʾān'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "memorize" is a versatile and commonly used verb that describes the act of committing information to memory. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts. This guide has explored its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and formality level, highlighting that it is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like "learn by heart" and "commit to memory" exist, "memorize" remains a direct and widely understood term. Remember that effective learning involves both "memorizing" and understanding the material.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

memorise

A British English spelling variant of "memorize".

commit to memory

A more formal and direct way of saying "memorize".

learn by heart

Implies a deeper, more emotional connection to the material being learned.

get off by heart

British English equivalent of 'learn by heart', indicating thorough memorization.

learn and remember

Emphasizes both the acquisition and retention of knowledge.

ingrain in the memory

Implies a deep and lasting form of memorization.

retain information

Focuses on the ability to keep information accessible over time.

imprint on one's mind

Suggests a vivid and lasting memory.

fix in one's mind

Suggests a deliberate and forceful act of memorization.

bear in mind

Focuses on keeping something in your thoughts rather than explicitly memorizing it.

FAQs

How can I effectively "memorize" large amounts of information?

Techniques such as spaced repetition, mnemonic devices, and creating associations can significantly improve your ability to "memorize" and retain information.

What are some alternatives to the word "memorize"?

You can use alternatives like "commit to memory", "learn by heart", or "retain information" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "memorize" and "memorise"?

"Memorize" is the standard American English spelling, while "memorise" is the British English spelling. Both words have the same meaning.

How does "memorizing" differ from understanding a concept?

"Memorizing" involves committing information to memory, while understanding involves grasping the meaning and context of that information. Effective learning combines both "memorizing" and understanding.