Definition of remember

Short definition: The word remember means to keep something in your mind and be able to think about it again later. People use it to describe recalling facts, experiences, or feelings that once mattered to them.

Looking for a real and meaningful explanation of the word remember? The word remember is not just about recalling facts—it’s also about holding on to experiences, emotions, promises, and lessons from the past. In daily life, we use remember to talk about memory, responsibility, nostalgia, and even care. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed way with long, natural examples.

remember v. /rɪˈmembər/

Verb forms: remember, remembers, remembering, remembered
Related: remembrance n., memorable adj., reminder n.
Syllable: re-mem-ber

  1. (Verb) To bring back information, experiences, or moments from the past into your mind.
    I still remember the day we first met, because everything about that moment felt unusually clear and meaningful.
    She clearly remembered how her teacher encouraged her when she almost gave up on learning English.
    He tried hard to remember the exact details of the conversation, but time had slowly blurred some parts.

    Synonyms: recall, recollect, bring to mind, call back, retrieve from memory, think of, reminisce, summon, remember vividly, look back on, hold in memory, recollect clearly
    Antonyms: forget, overlook, blank out, lose track of, fail to recall, erase from memory, misremember, ignore, suppress memories, let slip, forget entirely, draw a blank

  2. (Verb) To keep something in mind so that you do not forget to do it later, especially a duty, promise, or responsibility.
    Please remember to lock the door before leaving, because we’ve had problems with security before.
    He always remembers to call his parents every weekend, even when he’s extremely busy.
    She wrote a note to help her remember to send the email before the deadline.

    Synonyms: keep in mind, not forget, bear in mind, stay aware of, stay mindful of, take note of, commit to memory, stay conscious of, hold in mind, be mindful, remember to do, keep track of
    Antonyms: forget to do, neglect, overlook, fail to remember, miss, ignore responsibility, let slide, skip, disregard, be careless about, omit, forget completely

  3. (Verb) To think about someone or something from the past with emotion, respect, or affection.
    We remember our grandparents not just for what they did, but for how they made us feel safe and loved.
    Every year, the community gathers to remember those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
    She still remembers her childhood home with deep affection and gratitude.

    Synonyms: honor, commemorate, think fondly of, cherish, recall warmly, keep alive, pay tribute to, hold dear, reflect on, memorialize, celebrate memories of, remember with love
    Antonyms: forget completely, ignore the past, disregard memories, dismiss history, neglect remembrance, erase from mind, abandon memory, move on coldly, forget deliberately, suppress emotion, detach from memories, overlook significance

  4. (Verb) To suddenly realize or recall something important, often after a moment of confusion.
    Halfway to work, he suddenly remembered that he had left his laptop at home.
    She paused for a second and then remembered exactly where she had put the keys.
    I just remembered that today is your birthday, and now I feel terrible for almost forgetting.

    Synonyms: suddenly recall, realize, recollect, have it come back, remember at last, think of just now, recollect suddenly, have a memory flash, recall at once, rediscover in mind, remember clearly, call to mind again
    Antonyms: forget again, lose track, blank out once more, fail to recall, remain unaware, overlook repeatedly, keep forgetting, miss the point, stay confused, draw a blank again, misplace in memory, forget entirely

  5. (Figurative) To keep a lesson, warning, or experience in mind so that it influences future behavior.
    After making that mistake once, he promised himself to remember the lesson and never repeat it.
    She always remembers how difficult things were before, which helps her stay grateful in the present.
    We should remember this experience the next time we face a similar situation.

    Synonyms: keep in mind, learn from, hold onto lessons, stay aware of, remember the lesson, take to heart, keep as a reminder, stay mindful, remember the past, apply the memory, keep the experience, store the lesson
    Antonyms: repeat mistakes, forget lessons, ignore warnings, dismiss experience, overlook advice, fail to learn, make the same error, neglect the past, disregard reminders, forget the point, ignore history, stay careless

Conversation Using the Word Remember

This conversation takes place between two old friends meeting after many years. It shows how the word remember is used to talk about memories, shared experiences, and important moments from the past.

Daniel: Do you remember our first day at university?

Sophie: Of course I do. I still remember how nervous we both were.

Daniel: I can’t believe how much has changed since then.

Sophie: Same here, but I always remember those days with a smile.

Daniel: Do you remember the small café we used to visit?

Sophie: Yes, I remember spending hours there talking about our dreams.

Daniel: Sometimes I wish I could go back to those moments.

Sophie: Me too, but at least we can always remember them.

Daniel: I try to remember what I learned back then when things get hard.

Sophie: That’s a good way to look at it—memories can give us strength.

Daniel: Let’s promise to keep in touch so we always remember these moments.

Sophie: Deal. I’ll definitely remember today as well.

Phrases Containing the Word Remember

The phrases below show how the word remember is used to talk about memory, reminders, and important things people want to keep in mind.

Remember to do

To not forget an action.

Please remember to lock the door before you leave the office.

Remember clearly

To recall something well.

I still remember clearly the first day I started this job.

Remember well

To have a strong memory of something.

She remembers well how nervous she felt before the presentation.

Remember forever

To keep a memory for life.

That trip is something I will remember forever.

Remember the day

To recall a special date.

I still remember the day we first met.

Remember the name

To recall someone’s name.

I remember his face, but I can’t remember the name.

Remember the details

To recall specific information.

She remembers the details of every meeting.

Remember the moment

To recall a meaningful experience.

We will always remember the moment they announced the winner.

Remember to call

To not forget to make a call.

Remember to call me when you arrive safely.

Remember to check

To not forget to verify something.

Please remember to check the schedule before leaving.

Remember to bring

To not forget to carry something.

Remember to bring your ID when you come tomorrow.

Remember to reply

To not forget to answer a message.

I always forget, so remind me to remember to reply later.

Remember that

To keep an important fact in mind.

Remember that your health is more important than any deadline.

Remember this

To focus on a key point.

Remember this: success takes time and patience.

Remember someone

To keep a person in your thoughts.

We always remember our teachers who guided us.

Remember the past

To think about earlier times.

Sometimes it’s good to remember the past and see how far you’ve come.

Remember the lesson

To keep a learning experience in mind.

He remembered the lesson and avoided making the same mistake again.

Remember the promise

To keep a commitment in mind.

She remembered the promise she made to herself to stay positive.

Remember the feeling

To recall an emotion.

I still remember the feeling of excitement on my first day at work.

Remember the story

To recall a narrative.

Do you remember the story you told me last summer?

Words Rhyme with remember

member
number
December
September
November
amber
cucumber
lumber
slumber
plumber
thunder
wonder
blunder
under
surrender
defender
sender
tender
render
calendar
gender
center
mentor
answer
membered
remembered
reminder
remainder
finder
binder
POS: Verb