memorabilis

Pronunciation

• IPA (Classical): [mɛ.mɔˈraː.bɪ.lɪs]^[1]
• IPA (Ecclesiastical): [me.moˈraː.bi.lis]^[1]

Forms

memorābilis (neuter memorābile); third-declension two-termination adjective^[1]

Etymology

It is from memorō “to mention, recall”, from memor “mindful”, with the suffix -bilis.^[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The OLD's earliest citations are from Plautus, of memorable deeds and things fit to be told.^[2] Köbler dates Plautus c. 250–184 BC.^[4]

Semantic evolution

It meant worth recording, remarkable, memorable, and fit to be spoken of, as in Plautus.^[2]

In Ecclesiastical Latin it meant memorable, remarkable, worthy of mention.^[5] British Medieval Latin used it of memorable people, places and deeds.^[6] It survives in Italian memorabile, French mémorable and Spanish memorable, and gave English memorable in the mid-15th century.^[1][3]

Timeline

• c. 250–184 BC – Plautus uses it of memorable deeds.^[2][4]
• mid-15th century – English memorable is recorded.^[3]

Meanings

Adjective

1. Memorable, remarkable.^[2]
2. Fit to be told.^[2]

Word family

• immemorābilis

Related words

• memor
• memorō
• memoria
• English memorable

References

1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
3. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
4. ^ a b Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
5. ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
6. ^ Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press