Remember

Definition

The verb "remember" means (1) to recall or bring to mind something previously known or experienced, (2) to keep something in one’s memory so as not to forget, or (3) to make a mental note to perform a future action. In certain idiomatic uses, it can also mean to convey greetings or good wishes on someone’s behalf.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈmɛm.bɚ/
• Respelling: ri-MEM-bər

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈmɛm.bə/
• Respelling: ri-MEM-buh

Etymology

"Remember" comes from Middle English remembren, from Old French remembrer, ultimately from Latin rememorārī (“to recall to mind”), formed from re- (“again”) + memor (“mindful”). The earliest English usage is attested in the 14th century.

Derivatives

• Remembered (adjective / past participle)
• Remembering (noun / present participle)
• Remembrance (noun)
• Rememberable (adjective)
• Rememberer (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• Recall
• Recollect
• Bear in mind
• Retain
• Call to mind

Antonyms

• Forget
• Overlook
• Neglect
• Ignore
• Omit

Usage

"Remember" is used in everyday speech, academic writing, and formal contexts. Examples: "Please remember to submit the form by Friday," or "I vividly remember my first day of school."

Related Terms

• Memory: The faculty by which the mind stores and recalls information.
• Recall: The act of retrieving information from memory.
• Cognition: Mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To bring to mind or think of again; to recollect:
  • Example: "She could remember the melody but not the lyrics."
• To keep in memory; not to forget:
  • Example: "I must remember your birthday next year."
• To make a mental note to perform an action:
  • Example: "He set an alarm to remember to take his medication."
• To mention or send greetings on someone’s behalf (idiomatic):
  • Example: "Remember me