memorized
UK[ˈmem.ə.raɪzd]US[ˈmem.ə.raɪzd]
v
To learn something so that you remember it exactly.
Morpheme Breakdown
memor
ize
d
memor
memory
ize
verb suffix
d
past tense suffix
Etymology
The word 'memorized' is built upon the Latin adjective memor, meaning "mindful" or "remembering," which itself originates from the Proto-Indo-European root (s)mer-, meaning "to remember." The addition of the Greek-derived suffix -ize transforms the noun concept into a verb, meaning "to make into memory" or "to commit to memory." The final -d is the regular English past tense marker, completing the word's form as a verb describing the completed action of learning by heart. Thus, the literal construction "made mindful" elegantly captures the process of imprinting information firmly in one's mind.
Analysis
Structure: memor (memory) + ize (verb suffix) + d (past tense suffix)
- memor: From Latin memor (mindful, remembering). Serves as the core root conveying the concept of memory.
- ize: A verb-forming suffix from Greek -izein via Latin -izare, indicating "to make, to become, or to practice."
- d: An inflectional suffix from Proto-Germanic, marking the past tense and past participle form of regular verbs.
Examples
She memorized all the state capitals for the geography test.
The actor had memorized his lines perfectly before the first rehearsal.
I've never been good at memorized speeches; I prefer to speak from notes.