memoir

Where does the word "memoir" come from? It comes from Latin memoria, passing through French before entering English (1560s).

Memoir’s story begins in Latin: memoria meant “memory.” Memory, from 'memor', mindful. By medieval, the word had taken hold in French as mémoire. Memory; also a written record or report. It reached English by 1560s as memoir. 'memoirs', a personal life story, dates from the 1670s. Today, memoir means a written account of one's own life and experiences.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient memoria "memory", memory, from 'memor', mindful.
2. Stage 2 · French · medieval mémoire "memory, record", memory; also a written record or report.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1560s memoir "written record", 'memoirs', a personal life story, dates from the 1670s.