Mnemonically

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that improves the ability to remember information
2. In a fashion that supports the recall of memories and information
3. Done in such a way that helps store information in memory for easier retrieval

Etymology: "Mnemonically" is an adverb built from "mnemonical," itself an adjective, with the suffix "-ly" added at the end. The adjective ancestor is "mnemonic," which comes from the Greek "mnēmonikos," relating to memory, and that Greek word traces back to "mnēmē," meaning memory. The Greek root goes back to the same ancient source as the word "mind" in English, though the connection runs through a long chain of sound changes. The final part, "-ly," has an unexpectedly long pedigree. It descends from a Proto-Germanic word meaning "body" or "form," and in Old English the related element "-līċe" was used to turn adjectives into adverbs, so that a word like "mnemonical" could be converted into a manner adverb by attaching it. Middle English shortened the ending to "-ly," which has remained in use ever since.