Memorable is an adjective describing something that is worth or likely to be remembered; it often refers to an event, moment, or thing that leaves a lasting impression. The term implies significance, distinctiveness, or emotional impact that makes recall easier over time.
"The lecture was memorable for its vivid examples and clear explanations."
"That sunset was memorable, not just beautiful but emotionally moving."
"The athlete delivered a memorable performance that everyone talked about afterward."
"Her speech included a memorable anecdote that captured the audience’s attention."
Memorable comes from the Middle English memorable, derived from the Latin memorabilis meaning 'worthy of remembrance,' from memori (memory) + -abilis (able, able to be). The root mem- relates to memory across Latin and its descendants. The suffix -able indicates capability, so memorabilis literally means capable of being remembered. The word entered English in the late Middle Ages, with usage expanding in Early Modern English to describe things that impress or are easy to recall. Over time, the sense broadened beyond mere recollection to denote anything striking or noteworthy enough to be retained in memory. The form 'memorable' established in the 15th–16th centuries, while compounds like 'rememberable' appeared less frequently. In contemporary usage, memorable often carries a positive connotation of lasting impact, though it can be used critically for events that are notably unusual or dramatic.
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Words that rhyme with "Memorable"
-ble sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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Primary stress falls on the first syllable: MEM-uh-ruh-buhl. In IPA for US/UK/AU you’ll see /ˈmem(ə)rəbl/ with a schwa in the second syllable and a light, almost silent -ble ending. Practically, begin with the /m/ + /ɛ/ or /e/ quality in MEM, then reduce the second syllable to /ə/ and lightly articulate /rə/ before a final schwa-ish /bl/. Use a quick, smooth rhythm: MEM-uh-ruh-buhl. Listen to native speakers and mimic the cadence in phrases like “a memorable moment.”
Common pitfalls include overpronouncing the middle syllable as a strong tense vowel rather than a weak /ə/ and making the final -ble syllable too heavy (sounding like /blɪ/). Another error is pronouncing the second syllable with a full /ɜr/ or /ɪr/ in non-rhotic accents. Correct by reducing /ə/ in the second syllable and keeping the third syllable's /rə/ compact, ending with a subtle /əl/ or /bəl/ depending on accent. Practice with minimal pairs and slow drills to even the stress and pace.
In US and UK accents, the core is MEM-ə-rə-bəl with a reduced second syllable. US tends to be rhotic, so you may hear a slightly more pronounced /ɹ/ in the syllable before the final /l/. UK non-rhotic speakers may drop rhotic coloring, keeping /ˈmem(ə)rəbl/ with lighter /r/ influence. Australian English is similar to UK but often features more centralized vowels and a shorter, flatter vowel in the first syllable. Across accents, the key is keeping the first syllable strong while letting the middle be light and the final -ble softly articulated.
The difficulty lies in the multiple light, reduced vowels in the middle and the transition from a strong initial syllable to a weak, fast middle, followed by a final consonant cluster /bl/. English allows rapid reduction, so many learners overemphasize the middle vowel or split the rhythm awkwardly. Mastery requires balancing intelligibility with fluid rhythm: MEM-ə-rə-bəl, keeping the middle /ə/ soft and the final /bl/ crisp but not overly stressed.
Focus on the sequence MEM + ə + rə + bl. Use a light, quick middle: /ə/ as a neutral vowel, not a full vowel. Your jaw should relax after MEM, guiding the tongue into a shallow /ɹ/ position before the final /bl/. Visualize the word as three beats: strong first, soft second, light finish. IPA anchors: /ˈmem(ə)rəbl/. Practice with slow deliberate enunciations, then speed up while maintaining the rhythm.
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