memoir
memoir Lexical Profile
memoir Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A historical account or narrative written from personal knowledge, experience, or specialized sources, typically focusing on a specific period or theme in the author's life.
"The retired politician published a revealing memoir about his pivotal years negotiating the international peace treaty."
An essay, treatise, or scholarly article on a learned subject, often presented to a scientific or academic society.
"The renowned physicist submitted a detailed memoir on quantum entanglement to the royal academy."
Word Nuance & Usage
While often used interchangeably with 'autobiography', a memoir typically focuses on a specific period, theme, or relationship in the author's life rather than providing a comprehensive, chronological account from birth.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French 'mémoire' (memory, written account), derived from Latin 'memoria' (memory, remembrance).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.