Word
memorize
Phoneticsmem·o·rize, stress on the first syllable
/ˈmɛmɝˌaɪz/
UK spelling · memorise
Definition
v. to learn something so well that you can remember it perfectly without looking.
v. to commit information to memory so as to be able to recall it exactly. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Examples
“I need to memorize these vocabulary words for the test.”
“The actor spent the entire weekend trying to memorize his lines before the first rehearsal on Monday.”
“While some students prefer to memorize formulas through repetition, others find that understanding the underlying logic makes the information much easier to retain long-term.”
Examples
simple
“I need to memorize these vocabulary words for the test.”
contextual
“The actor spent the entire weekend trying to memorize his lines before the first rehearsal on Monday.”
complex
“While some students prefer to memorize formulas through repetition, others find that understanding the underlying logic makes the information much easier to retain long-term.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. In British English, the spelling 'memorise' is more common.
Pitfall
I memorized about the poem
I memorized the poem
Memorize is a transitive verb; it takes a direct object and does not use the preposition 'about'.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/memorize