Mémoire
/meɪˈmwɑːr/noun
A written memorandum, report, or scholarly dissertation, especially in historical or diplomatic usage.
Did you know?Mémoire belongs to the same ancient word-family as “mind” and “monument,” linking memory with both thought and objects built to preserve remembrance.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*men-
“To think, remember, or have one’s mind directed toward something.”
Classical Latin
Latin
memini
“I remember; a perfect form expressing a present state of remembering.”
Classical Latin
Latin
memor
“Mindful, remembering, or aware.”
Classical Latin
Latin
memoria
“Memory, remembrance, or the faculty of remembering.”
Old French
Old French
memoire
“Memory, remembrance, or a written account.”
Middle English
English
memoire
“A written record, memorandum, or account, borrowed from French.”
Modern English
English
mémoire
“A formal written report, scholarly dissertation, or diplomatic memorandum.”