Etymology Map
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Memorandum

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a written message in business or diplomacy

Where does the word "memorandum" come from? It comes from Latin memorandum, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
memorandum
Latin · ancient
"to be remembered"
from 'memorare', to bring to mind
2
Stage 2 of 2
memorandum
English · 1400s
"a written note"
written at the top of notes; shortened to 'memo' in the 1700s
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Memorandum’s story begins in Latin: memorandum meant “to be remembered.” From 'memorare', to bring to mind. It reached English by 1400s as memorandum. Written at the top of notes; shortened to 'memo' in the 1700s. Today, memorandum means a written message in business or diplomacy.