verb · neutral

memorize

UK/ˈmeməraɪz/US/ˈmeməˌraɪz/MEM·o·rize

Band 5-6speakingtask2

to learn something so that you can remember it exactly

Examples

Students often memorize vocabulary lists before exams.

Memorizing phrases can help fluency in short speaking tasks.

Relying only on memorized answers is risky in part 2 of the speaking test.

Band 8 sentence

While rote memorization can boost short-term performance, critical thinking matters more for long-term success.

Collocations

  • memorize vocabulary/phrases
  • memorize by heart
  • memorize a speech

Word family

memorize verbmemorization nounmemorized adjective / past participlememorizing gerund

Common mistakes

I memorize many words yesterday.I memorized many words yesterday.

He memorize English words every day.He memorizes English words every day.

Say it for a higher band

5learn6learn by heart7+memorize

Synonyms

learn by heart

Easily confused

learn

She learned Spanish for two years, but she didn't memorize all the grammar rules.

Related words

Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.

In -ize

Learn it with its set