What does "remember" mean?
To recall from one's memory; to have an image in one's memory.
Remember
/ɹɪˈmɛmbɚ/ verb
verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To recall from one's memory; to have an image in one's memory.
- Grammar: remember is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: recall, recollect, retrieve, think back.
- Useful contrasts: unlearned, blackouts, blank.
- Usage evidence: I find words with concise definitions to be the easiest to remember.
How to use "remember"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "remember" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "remember" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "remember" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "remember" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "remember" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "recall" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "remember", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To recall from one's memory; to have an image in one's memory.
"In the lightness of my heart I sang catches of songs as my horse gayly bore me along the well-remembered road."
- 2 Alternative form of re-member. alt-of, alternative, rare
"knit 'this scattered corn into one mutual sheaf, / these broken limbs again into one body' - in other words, how to resurrect the dismembered god, to remember Osiris. Yet the only body made whole in these expert, lowering poems is the body of this death."
- 3 recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection wordnet
- 4 To memorize; to put something into memory.
"Please remember this formula!"
- 5 keep in mind for attention or consideration wordnet
Show 13 more definitions
- 6 To keep in mind; to be mindful of.
"Remember what I've said."
- 7 recapture the past; indulge in memories wordnet
- 8 To not forget (to do something required)
"Remember to lock the door when you go out."
- 9 call to remembrance; keep alive the memory of someone or something, as in a ceremony wordnet
- 10 To convey greetings from.
"Please remember me to your brother."
- 11 exercise, or have the power of, memory wordnet
- 12 To put in mind; to remind (also used reflexively). obsolete
"Since thou dost give me pains, / Let me remember thee what thou hast promis'd, / Which is not yet perform'd me."
- 13 mention as by way of greeting or to indicate friendship wordnet
- 14 To engage in the process of recalling memories. intransitive
"You don't have to remind him; he remembers very well."
- 15 mention favorably, as in prayer wordnet
- 16 To give (a person) money as a token of appreciation of past service or friendship. transitive
"My aunt remembered me in her will, leaving me several thousand pounds."
- 17 show appreciation to wordnet
- 18 To commemorate, to have a remembrance ceremony. transitive
"Today we remember and honour those who have served."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"I find words with concise definitions to be the easiest to remember."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "remember"?
Common synonyms include: recall, recollect, retrieve, think back, associating memory, bear in mind.
How do you use "remember" in a sentence?
I find words with concise definitions to be the easiest to remember.
How do you pronounce "remember"?
Pronounced /ɹɪˈmɛmbɚ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English remembren, from Old French remembrer (“to remember”), from Late Latin rememorari (“to remember again”), from re- + memor (“mindful”), from Proto-Indo-European *mer-, *(s)mer- (“to think about, be mindful, remember”). Cognate with Old English mimorian, mymerian (“to remember, commemorate”), Old English māmorian (“to deliberate, plan out, design”). More at mammer. etymology note The success of the Old French word was helped by its proximity in sound and meaning to an existing Germanic word: Old English mimorian, mymerian (“to remember, commemorate”) from Proto-Germanic *mimrōną, *mīmrōną (“to remember, be mindful”), from the same Indo-European source, and is akin to Saterland Frisian miemerje (“to ponder, reflect”), Middle Low German mimeren (“to ponder, meditate”), Middle Dutch mimeren (“to reflect, think to oneself”) (Dutch mijmeren (“to muse, reflect deeply”)), Old English ġemimor (“mindful”), Old Norse Mímir, Mim (“Norse god of memory”), Old English māmrian (“to think out, design”). Related to mourn. Displaced native Middle English ȝemuneȝen (“to remember”), from Old English ġemynegian (“to remember, remind”); Middle English minnen (“to remember, have in mind”), from Old Norse minna (“to remind”); Middle English munden, ȝemunden (“to bear in mind, remember”), from Old English ġemynd (“memory, remembrance”); Middle English ithenchen, ȝethenchen (“to think on, remember”), from Old English ġeþencan; Middle English manien (“to remind, mention, remember”), from Old English manian (“to admonish, remind, mention”).
Etymology 2
From re- + member.