Memorandum Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈmɛməˌrændəm/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A formal written record or statement, often used to communicate important information, record agreements, or set forth policies or procedures.

Examples

• The company distributed a memorandum to all employees regarding the new policy.
• The professor provided a memorandum outlining the course requirements and expectations.

Synonyms

• Document
• Statement

Antonyms

• Spur
• Omit

Additional Information

Memoranda are often used in business, government, and education to facilitate communication and decision-making. They can be formal or informal, and may take various forms, such as emails, letters, or printed reports.

In formal settings, memoranda may be formatted according to specific guidelines and conventions, such as the use of formal language, headings, and white space.

Etymology

The word “memorandum” comes from the Latin “memorandum,” meaning “to be remembered,” and was originally used as a term in diplomacy and international law.

Usage Notes

In formal writing, it is generally recommended to use the word “memorandum” in the formal, antiquated sense, rather than in a more modern or casual context.

Cultural References

The word “memorandum” has appeared in various films, literature, and TV shows, often used to add a sense of formality or bureaucratic tone to the dialogue.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

For example, “put it in writing” or “put it into a memorandum” can be used to imply that something should be formally recorded or documented.

Related Words or Phrases

Some related words include “brief,” “report,” and “announcement,” which all convey the idea of communicating information in a concise and formal manner.

Collocations

Memorandum is often collocated with words like “file,” “draft,” “submit,” “circulate,” and ” distribute.”

Frequency of Use

The word “memorandum” is relatively infrequently used in modern language, but it remains an important term in formal writing and communication.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of “memorandum” include “memnorandum,” “memerandum,” and “memoredum.”