Memoranda

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /mɛməˈɹændə/

Definitions

1. A written message or record, especially used for communication within an organization
2. A formal note detailing matters to be remembered or addressed, often serving as a reminder
3. A document outlining key points or agreements that require attention or action in a business or legal context

Etymology: Memoranda is the plural of "memorandum," a Latin word meaning "something to be remembered," built from "memor" (mindful) and a gerundive ending that marks something that must be kept in mind. English took the Latin plural as its own, so the word is a plural form that has been used with a singular sense for centuries, which is why people now say "a memoranda" without hesitation. The original Latin plural "memoranda" meant "things to be remembered," and a "memorandum" was a note jotted down so that nobody would forget a matter. Over time the note itself, rather than the thing it recorded, became the word's focus, and business and diplomatic writing adopted it for brief internal records and reminders.

Synonyms: notices, messages, records, documents, briefs

Antonyms: forgetfulness, ignorance, neglect