The word memoir is spelled as /ˈmɛm.wɑr/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "mem" with a short "e" sound, followed by a long "wah" sound for the second syllable. The word refers to a written account of a person's life experiences or memories. It comes from the French word "memoire" and has been used in English literature since the late 17th century. The spelling of this word may often be confused with "memory" but should not be used interchangeably.
A memoir is a genre of literature defined as a written account of one's personal experiences, memories, and reflections. It is a form of autobiographical writing that focuses on specific periods or events in the author's life, often narrated in a subjective and introspective manner.
Typically, a memoir delves into the author's emotions, thoughts, and perceptions surrounding significant moments, relationships, or challenges. It provides a glimpse into their inner world, offering insights into their personal growth, struggles, and lessons learned. Memoirs can cover a wide range of topics, including but not limited to family dynamics, overcoming adversity, travel, cultural experiences, or professional achievements.
While memoirs share similarities with autobiographies, they differ in scope and approach. Autobiographies are comprehensive accounts of an entire life, covering a wide range of events, while memoirs are more focused and selective, honing in on specific themes or periods. Memoirs often convey a sense of authenticity and intimate storytelling, blending personal narratives with larger cultural or historical contexts.
The purpose of a memoir is not only to document one's memories but also to engage and resonate with readers on a universal level. By sharing personal experiences, memoirs allow readers to empathize, reflect, and connect emotionally with the author's journey. The genre has gained popularity for its ability to provide a unique perspective into the human condition, capturing the complexities and nuances of individual lives.
A biographical history, generally written by one who had taken a part in the transactions recorded; a written account; a register of facts.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "memoir" can be traced back to the Latin word "memoria", which means "memory" or "remembrance". In the late 15th century, the word "memoir" emerged in the English language, derived from the Old French word "memoire", which also refers to memory. The term was originally used to describe a work of historical or biographical writing based on personal recollections and memories. Over time, the term "memoir" developed a more specific meaning, referring to a written account that focuses on a particular aspect or period of a person's life.