Memoir Meaning and Definition
Memoir
Pronunciation
/ˈmiːmɔɪr/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A written account of a person’s life written by themselves, typically covering their early years, family, and significant events, often including reflections and insights.
Etymology
From French “mémoire”, from Latin “memoria”, from Greek “μνήμη” (mnēmē), meaning “memory”.
Usage Notes
A memoir is often written in a more personal and informal style than a full autobiography, with a focus on specific themes or periods of the writer’s life.
Cultural References
Memoirs have been written by many famous and influential figures, including Maya Angelou, Malcolm X, and Nelson Mandela.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“A memoir is a collection of thoughts, experiences, and memories”
Related Words or Phrases
- Biography
- Autobiography
- Autobiographical
Collocations
- “to write a memoir”
- “memoir of a lifetime”
Frequency of Use
Memoirs are relatively common in literary and cultural circles, with many authors and public figures publishing their memoirs.
Common Misspellings
- Memary
- Memorie