WordValememoir
a book about the author's own remembered experiences
In more detail
1. (noun) a book written by someone about their own life and experiences
2. (noun) a piece of writing about a particular event or period that the author remembers
3. (noun) (plural memoirs) a written account of a person's life, especially by that person themselves
Examples
- 1. She published a memoir about her career as a professional dancer.
- 2. He wrote a memoir about his time serving in the military.
- 3. The famous actor's memoirs revealed many personal stories from his childhood.
How to use memoir
A memoir is a first-person narrative focused on significant events and experiences the author remembers, often more selective and thematic than a comprehensive autobiography. It can cover a whole life or a particular period, and is commonly used in both literary and personal contexts. Memoirs are typically more reflective and intimate than historical accounts.
Common phrases
- write a memoir
- publish a memoir
- personal memoir
- political memoir
- family memoir
Synonyms
autobiography · life story · recollection · account · narrative
Word family
memoirist (noun) · memoiristic (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use memoir and autobiography interchangeably, but autobiography typically covers an entire life chronologically, whereas a memoir is often thematic and selective.
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