Memorable: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：unforgettable, worth remembering (memorable)

memorable 🔊

/ˈmemərəbl/

adj.

Something is memorable if it is special or interesting enough that you can easily remember it later.

Memorable scene: person at cliff edge overlooking vibrant sunrise valley

unforgettable, worth remembering 🔊

➕

/ˌʌnfəˈɡetəbl, wɜːrθ rɪˈmembərɪŋ/

adj.

Describes something that is special, important, or pleasant enough to be easily remembered for a long time.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'memorabilis' (memorable), from 'memor' (mindful, remembering) + '-abilis' (able to be).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'Memory' + 'able' = able to be placed into your memory because it's special.

📖 Example

Seeing the northern lights on our trip to Iceland was a memorable experience. 🔊 Witnessing the aurora borealis during our journey to Iceland was an unforgettable experience.

🔗 Collocations

a memorable experience – an event or activity that leaves a strong, lasting impression.

a memorable occasion – a special or significant event that is likely to be remembered.

a memorable moment – a specific point in time that stands out as particularly important or emotional.

🔄 Synonyms

unforgettable (adj.) – Impossible to forget; extremely memorable.

notable (adj.) – Worthy of attention or remarkable.

striking (adj.) – Attracting attention by being impressive or unusual.

🚫 Antonyms

forgettable (adj.) – Not memorable or likely to be forgotten.

unremarkable (adj.) – Not particularly interesting or surprising.

ordinary (adj.) – With no special or distinctive features; normal.

🌱 Derivatives

memorably (adv.) – In a way that is worth remembering or easily remembered.

memorability (n.) – The quality of being memorable.

📖 Cultural Story

The word entered English in the 16th century from Latin, via Old French. It is intrinsically linked to the concept of memory and commemoration. Today, it's frequently used in marketing, travel writing, and personal narratives to describe experiences (trips, meals, performances) or events (weddings, speeches) that stand out as special and worthy of being remembered.