memoirs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “memoirs” mean?
A written account of events or personal experiences based on the author's own knowledge or memory, typically autobiographical and focusing on specific aspects of their life.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A written account of events or personal experiences based on the author's own knowledge or memory, typically autobiographical and focusing on specific aspects of their life.
Any personal record of historical events or a specific period of life, often with reflection and commentary. Can also refer, more loosely, to a collection of memories or a historical account based on personal experience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Both varieties treat the word identically.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with the British aristocracy (e.g., 'political memoirs') or historical military figures in UK usage, but this is a minor nuance.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “memoirs” in a Sentence
VERB + memoirs: write/publish/read/release one's memoirsADJ + memoirs: political/personal/unpublished/ghostwritten memoirsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “memoirs” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is currently memoirising her years in the civil service.
American English
- He plans to memoirize his experiences during the tech boom.
adverb
British English
- He wrote memoiristically about his childhood, focusing on sensory details.
American English
- The article was written memoiristically, from a first-person perspective.
adjective
British English
- The book had a strong memoiristic quality, blending fact with personal reflection.
American English
- Her memoiristic style makes the historical events feel very immediate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might refer to a CEO's memoir about their career.
Academic
Common in history, literature, and cultural studies. Refers to primary source material.
Everyday
Common in discussions about books, famous people, or family history.
Technical
Used in publishing and literary genres.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “memoirs”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “memoirs”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a memoir' is correct for the singular).
- Confusing it with 'memories' (which are individual recollections, not a published work).
- Misspelling as 'memories' or 'memior'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An autobiography typically covers the author's entire life chronologically. Memoirs often focus on a specific theme, period, or aspect of the author's life and may be more reflective and less comprehensive.
Yes, the singular is 'memoir' (pronounced /ˈmɛm.wɑː/). It can mean a single historical account or a short essay. However, the plural 'memoirs' is far more common for referring to a published autobiographical book.
No, that is incorrect. For a single memory, use 'memory'. 'Memoir' refers to a written work. Say 'I have a vivid memory of that day'.
Memoirs are presented as factual accounts based on memory, but memory is fallible. They are expected to be truthful to the author's recollection and perspective, unlike fiction. However, exaggeration, subjective interpretation, and minor chronological errors are common.
A written account of events or personal experiences based on the author's own knowledge or memory, typically autobiographical and focusing on specific aspects of their life.
Memoirs is usually formal to neutral in register.
Memoirs: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛm.wɑːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛm.wɑːrz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Spill the beans in one's memoirs”
- “A memoir waiting to be written”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MEMOirs' as extended MEMOs or notes to oneself about one's life.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A BOOK (to publish one's memoirs is to close a chapter).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate description of 'memoirs'?