memorabilis
This is an old revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 16:02. It may
differ significantly from the current version. This address is a permanent link to this version.
Pronunciation
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
Word family
- immemorābilis
Related words
References
- ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
- ^ a b c d e f Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
- ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
- ^ a b Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
- ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
- ^ 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