memorandum
gb/mˌɛmɚˈændəm/ us/mˌɛmɚˈændəm/
B2
English
~ 5600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
entity
1
written message used inside an organization
A short written message used to give information to people inside the same company or group.
Usage pattern:
a memorandum on/about [topic]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "memorandum" with "memory" or "memorial" because of the similar spelling. "Memorandum" is a written message or document, not the ability to remember or a structure to remember someone. Another common issue is the plural form: both "memorandums" and "memoranda" are correct, but "memorandums" is more common in modern English.
Synonyms
memo (More informal and common in everyday business speech; usually shorter and less formal in style than a full memorandum.)
Antonyms
phone call (A spoken, not written, way of giving information, which contrasts with the written nature of a memorandum.)
Collocations
internal memorandum
|confidential memorandum
|circulate a memorandum
|draft a memorandum
|company memorandum
|office memorandum
Themes
business
|workplace
|administration
|work
|communication
Examples
- The manager sent a memorandum explaining the new overtime policy.
- According to yesterday’s memorandum, all travel expenses must be approved in advance.
- The human resources department issued a memorandum on workplace safety procedures.
- She drafted a memorandum to staff outlining the changes to the holiday schedule.
- An internal memorandum leaked to the press revealed details of the restructuring plan.
Learner examples
- The boss wrote a memorandum to all workers.
- We read a memorandum about changes in office hours.
- He sent a memorandum to explain the new rules.
- The company gave a memorandum on dress code to every employee.
- Please read the memorandum before the meeting tomorrow.
Noun
formal
C1
entity
2
written record of an agreement or understanding
A formal written paper that records what two or more people, companies, or countries agree to do.
Usage pattern:
a memorandum of [agreement/understanding] between [parties]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think a "memorandum of understanding" is always legally binding. In many contexts, especially business and diplomacy, it often describes a formal but non-binding agreement that shows serious intent but may not have the full force of a contract.
Synonyms
agreement (A broader term that can be spoken or written; it focuses on the shared decision itself, while "memorandum" stresses the written record of that decision.)
Antonyms
verbal agreement (An agreement made only in spoken form without a written record, which contrasts with the documented nature of a memorandum.)
Collocations
memorandum of understanding
|sign a memorandum
|draft a memorandum
|bilateral memorandum
|legal memorandum
|joint memorandum
Themes
law
|business
|politics
|international_relations
Examples
- The two companies signed a memorandum outlining plans for future cooperation.
- Under the memorandum of understanding, both sides agreed to share research data.
- The foreign ministers exchanged a memorandum on border security measures.
- Our lawyers prepared a detailed memorandum setting out the terms of the settlement.
- The memorandum between the universities encourages student and staff exchanges.
Learner examples
- The two firms signed a memorandum of understanding.
- The countries wrote a memorandum to show their plans to work together.
- They prepared a memorandum that listed all the terms of the deal.
- Both sides agreed to the memorandum after long talks.
- A memorandum can help avoid problems because the agreement is written down.
Noun
formal
C2
entity
3
written note as a reminder
A short written note that helps you remember something later.
Usage pattern:
a memorandum to [oneself/someone] about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this sense is formal and somewhat uncommon in everyday speech; in modern English, people are more likely to say "note" or "reminder" in general contexts.
Synonyms
reminder (A more general and common word for anything that helps you remember; it may be spoken, written, or an object, whereas a memorandum is specifically written.)
Antonyms
forgetfulness (The state of not remembering things, which a memorandum is meant to prevent.)
Collocations
personal memorandum
|brief memorandum
|keep a memorandum
|make a memorandum
|private memorandum
Themes
daily_life
|organization
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He kept a handwritten memorandum in his diary listing key deadlines for the year.
- She left a brief memorandum on her desk so she wouldn’t forget the appointment.
- The judge made a private memorandum of the witness’s main points for later review.
- I wrote a memorandum to myself to follow up with the client next month.
Learner examples
- I wrote a small memorandum so I will not forget the meeting.
- She keeps a memorandum in her notebook with important dates.
- He made a memorandum about the tasks for next week.
- I use a memorandum on my phone to remember homework.
- The memorandum helps me remember what I must do.
Grammar
Dictionary form
memorandum
IPA
GB/mˌɛmɚˈændəm/
US/mˌɛmɚˈændəm/
Syllables & stress
memor - andum (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (andum)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: memorandum
- Plural: memoranda, memorandums
Word family
Forms
memoranda
noun
memorandums
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unmemorable
adjective
Advanced or less common
commemoration
noun
commemorative
adjective
Expressions
memorandum of understanding
1/mˌɛmɚˈændəm əv ˌʌndɚstˈændɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
formal non-binding written agreement
A formal written paper that says what two or more groups plan to do together, usually without being a full legal contract.
Examples
- The two tech companies signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on new software.
- Under the memorandum of understanding, the universities will exchange students and share research facilities.