ENGLISH
REFERENCE

memoirs

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈmɛmˌwɑɹz// UK //mˈɛmwɑːz// mem·oirs

n. a book that someone writes about their own life and the things they have experienced. It is similar to an autobiography but often focuses more on personal memories and specific events.

n. a historical account or biography written from personal knowledge or special sources. Often focuses on a specific period or theme in the subject's life rather than a chronological life story.


SIMPLE

The retired president is busy writing his memoirs.

CONTEXTUAL

After decades in the film industry, the actress published her memoirs to share stories from behind the scenes.

COMPLEX

Her memoirs provide a vivid, first-hand account of the political upheaval that defined the late twentieth century, offering insights that official histories often overlook.

Synonyms
Usage

Usually used in the plural form when referring to a published book of personal history.

Pitfall

He wrote a memoir about his father.He wrote a biography of his father.A memoir is written by the person who experienced the events; if you write about someone else's life, it is a biography.

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