memorabilia
memorabilia
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "memorabilia" is: /ˌmɛmərəˈbɪliə/
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
mem:
/m/ - as in "man"
/ɛ/ - as in "bed"
/m/ - as in "man"
o:
/ə/ - as in "about"
ra:
/r/ - as in "red"
/ə/ - as in "about"
bil:
/b/ - as in "book"
/ɪ/ - as in "sit"
/l/ - as in "look"
ia:
/i/ - as in "see"
/ə/ - as in "about"
Word Form Variations
"Memorabilia" is a bit unusual when it comes to word forms. Here's why:
It's inherently plural. The word "memorabilia" is derived from the Latin word "memorabilis," meaning "memorable." In Latin, "memorabilia" is the plural form of "memorabile." So, "memorabilia" already refers to a collection of objects.
No singular form. Because of its plural nature, there isn't a commonly used singular form of "memorabilia." You wouldn't say "one memorabilia."
How to refer to a single item. If you need to talk about a single item within a collection of memorabilia, you would typically describe it more specifically. For example, instead of "a memorabilia," you might say "a piece of memorabilia," "a memorabilia item," or "a memento."
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition: Objects kept or collected because of their historical interest, especially those associated with memorable people1 or events.
Synonyms: mementos, souvenirs, keepsakes, relics
Antonyms: junk, trash, refuse, debris
Verb (unconventional)
Definition: (transitive) To turn an object into a piece of memorabilia, often by imbuing it with personal meaning or associating it with a significant event.
"After the concert, she memorabiliaed the ticket stub by writing the date on it and tucking it into her wallet."
Synonyms: commemorate, memorialize, preserve
Antonyms: discard, forget, neglect
Adjective (unconventional)
Definition: Worthy of being collected and cherished; evocative of special memories.
"The old photograph was incredibly memorabilia—it transported her back to her childhood instantly."
Synonyms: nostalgic, sentimental, reminiscent, evocative
Antonyms: forgettable, mundane, ordinary, unremarkable
Adverb (unconventional)
Definition: In a way that evokes memories or is suitable for becoming a cherished keepsake.
"He memorabilia-ly tucked the pressed flower into his journal, knowing it would always remind him of that summer day."
Synonyms: sentimentally, nostalgically, meaningfully
Antonyms: unfeelingly, apathetically
Examples of Use
Books:
Fiction: "The room was a shrine to the band, plastered with posters and overflowing with memorabilia." (Sarah Dessen, Just Listen) This illustrates how "memorabilia" creates a sense of character and setting.
Non-fiction: "The museum houses a vast collection of Beatles memorabilia, including John Lennon's handwritten lyrics and George Harrison's guitars." (Hunter Davies, The Beatles) This shows how "memorabilia" connects to historical figures and events.
Newspapers:
Sports: "A rare Mickey Mantle baseball card just sold for a record $12.6 million, making it one of the most expensive pieces of sports memorabilia ever auctioned." ( The New York Times, June 2023) This demonstrates how "memorabilia" can have significant monetary value.
Local News: "The local history museum is asking residents to donate memorabilia from the town's centennial celebration for a new exhibit." (The Gazette, Anytown, USA) This highlights the role of "memorabilia" in preserving community history.
Online Publications:
Blogs: "For serious collectors, movie memorabilia can include anything from props and costumes to original scripts and promotional posters." (Mental Floss) This shows the breadth of items that can be considered "memorabilia."
Entertainment Websites: "Fans can bid on exclusive Taylor Swift memorabilia, including signed guitars and stage-worn outfits, with proceeds going to charity." (Billboard.com) This illustrates how "memorabilia" is used in celebrity and fan culture.
Entertainment:
Movies: In the movie "Almost Famous," the main character collects rock and roll memorabilia, showcasing its connection to music and fandom.
TV Shows: Shows like "Pawn Stars" and "American Pickers" often feature people bringing in various types of memorabilia for appraisal, demonstrating its cultural and historical value.
General Public Discourse:
Auctions: Auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's regularly hold sales dedicated to memorabilia, from historical documents to pop culture artifacts.
Museums: Many museums have dedicated exhibits for memorabilia, such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay and Etsy have thriving markets for buying and selling all kinds of memorabilia.
10 Famous Quotes Using Memorabilia
"We collect memorabilia not just to remember, but to relive what once made us feel alive." — Oprah Winfrey
"Memorabilia is nostalgia made tangible — a way of holding on to time." — George Carlin (paraphrased from commentary on American consumerism)
"For some, memorabilia is about money. For me, it’s about memory." — Paul McCartney
"I don’t collect memorabilia for its value. I collect it because each piece tells a story." — Denzel Washington (paraphrased from interviews)
"Hollywood memorabilia captures moments that shaped dreams." — Steven Spielberg (on preserving cinematic history)
"Sports memorabilia isn’t just merchandise — it’s passion, preserved." — Michael Jordan (paraphrased from interviews about legacy and fan culture)
"What people call junk, I call memorabilia — pieces of a life lived and loved." — Patti Smith
"Memorabilia is history’s way of staying personal." — Ken Burns (American documentarian, paraphrased from interviews about storytelling and artifacts)
"In every piece of memorabilia, there’s a heartbeat of a fan." — Taylor Swift (paraphrased from fan engagement interviews)
"Collectors understand: memorabilia is less about objects and more about meaning." — Neil deGrasse Tyson (on human attachment to objects, from public talks)
Etymology
Imagine you have a box full of old things: concert ticket stubs, faded photographs, your grandmother's favorite teacup. These are your personal "memorabilia" – objects that spark memories and hold special meaning.
The word itself has a long history, going all the way back to ancient Rome! It comes from the Latin word "memorabilis," which means "worthy of remembering."
Think of the Romans recording their great victories and achievements – those were their "memorabilia"!
Over time, "memorabilia" evolved to include any object that triggers a memory. The first recorded use of the word in English was in the early 1800s.
So, "memorabilia" is like a time machine in a box, connecting us to the past through objects that hold stories and emotions. It's a fancy word for those treasures we keep to remember people, places, and events that matter to us.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Memorabilia
Here's why:
Specificity: "Memorabilia" refers to a very specific category of objects (those with personal or historical significance). Idioms often rely on broader, more metaphorical concepts.
Formal Tone: "Memorabilia" has a slightly formal tone, making it less likely to appear in casual idioms.
However, we can get creative! Here are some lesser-known and original phrases, plus idioms using synonyms of "memorabilia" for a similar effect:
Phrases with "Memorabilia"
"A trove of memorabilia" - Describes a large and interesting collection.
"To be steeped in memorabilia" - To be surrounded by or immersed in objects that evoke memories.
"Memorabilia overload" - Humorous expression for having too many keepsakes.
Original Phrases
"Dusting off the memorabilia" - Revisiting old memories by looking at keepsakes.
"The memorabilia of a life well-lived" - Objects that represent a person's experiences and accomplishments.
"More than just memorabilia, it's a piece of my history" - Emphasizing the deep personal significance of an object.
Idioms with Synonyms
"A walk down memory lane" - Revisiting the past through memories (similar to looking at memorabilia).
"A blast from the past" - Something that suddenly reminds you of the past (like encountering a forgotten piece of memorabilia).
"Hold dear to your memories" - Cherishing the past, much like one would cherish memorabilia.
While "memorabilia" might not be a star player in the idiom game, it still contributes to colorful expressions about memory and the past!
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of memorabilia from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
