memorizzare
Lemma: memorizzare
Translation: to memorize; to commit to memory; to store; to record (verb)
Etymology: Derived from the Italian noun 'memoria' (memory), which comes from Latin 'memoria'. The English cognate 'memorize' shares the same Latin root. The suffix '-izzare' is a productive verb-forming suffix in Italian equivalent to English '-ize', creating verbs that indicate 'to make or render something'. Thus, 'memorizzare' literally means 'to make into memory'.
Example Usage
È importante memorizzare i numeri di emergenza.
It's important to memorize emergency numbers.
Sto memorizzando il vocabolario italiano.
I am memorizing Italian vocabulary.
Devo memorizzare questa poesia per domani.
I have to memorize this poem for tomorrow.
Il computer ha memorizzato tutti i dati.
The computer has stored all the data.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'memorizzare' as 'memory-ize-are' - the action of turning information into memories.
- The 'izzare' ending sounds like 'is are' - as in 'these facts are now in my memory'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian education, 'memorizzare' is often associated with traditional learning methods where students are expected to commit facts, poems, or historical dates to memory. In computing contexts, it's also used to refer to storing data.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'memorizzare' means to deliberately commit something to memory, 'ricordare' means to remember something that is already in your memory.
Notes: 'Memorizzare' is more active and intentional, while 'ricordare' is more passive and refers to recalling existing memories.
Mnemonic: 'Memorizzare' has 'memo' at the beginning, like making a memo to store information. 'Ricordare' has 'cord' in it, like a cord connecting you back to a past memory.
Explanation: 'Memorizzare' means to commit to memory, while 'commemorare' means to honor or celebrate the memory of something or someone.
This word:
Gli studenti devono memorizzare le date storiche.
Students must memorize the historical dates.
Confused word:
Commemoreremo l'anniversario della fondazione della città.
We will commemorate the anniversary of the city's foundation.
Notes: 'Commemorare' is more ceremonial and public, while 'memorizzare' is personal and cognitive.
Mnemonic: 'Commemorare' has 'com' (with) + 'memorare' (to remember), suggesting a collective remembrance or honoring.