memorandum

memorandum — noun

1. a short written message sent to people within the same company or department, gi

1.名詞B1
釋義

a short written message sent to people within the same company or department, giving information or instructions about a routine matter; the full form of the word 'memo'

例句

Ramón sent a memorandum to all staff reminding them about the fire drill on Friday.

send a memorandum to [group] about [topic]

I found a memo on my desk asking everyone to clean their work area.

同義詞
  • memo

    the everyday short form; use this in most spoken and written workplace contexts

  • note

    less structured and can be handwritten; not limited to workplace settings

文法句型

send + memorandum + to + person

memorandum + about/regarding + topic

用法筆記

Almost always replaced by the short form 'memo' in everyday workplace communication. The full word 'memorandum' sounds formal and is rarely used for routine notes.

2. a written document that gives information or makes suggestions about a particula

2.名詞B2
釋義

a written document that gives information or makes suggestions about a particular subject, usually sent to a specific person, group, or committee within an organization

例句

Christopher prepared a memorandum for the board of directors outlining the company's new safety rules.

prepared a memorandum for [person/group] outlining [topic]

The sales director drafted a memorandum for the board outlining the proposed budget for next year.

同義詞
  • report

    usually longer and more detailed; can be for audiences outside the organization

  • briefing note

    prepared specifically to inform someone before a decision or meeting; more concise

  • circular

    sent to a large number of people rather than to a specific person or group

文法句型

memorandum + about/on + topic

memorandum + for + recipient

memorandum + that-clause

用法筆記

In everyday workplace conversation, this sense is almost always shortened to 'memo.' Use 'memorandum' in formal writing or official documents.

常見錯誤

❌I wrote a memorandum of the meeting and sent it to my boss.
✅I wrote a memorandum about the meeting and sent it to my boss.
💡Use 'about' or 'on' for the topic of a memorandum; 'of' is only used in fixed legal phrases like 'memorandum of understanding.'
❌I need to memorize this memorandum before the meeting.
✅I need to read this memorandum before the meeting.
💡'Memorize' means to learn by heart; 'memorandum' is a document you read.

3. a document that records the points that two or more parties have agreed on in pr

3.名詞C1
釋義

a document that records the points that two or more parties have agreed on in principle, before a formal contract is written and signed

例句

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding before they began working on the joint project.

collocation: memorandum of understanding

Yasmin and her business partner drafted a memorandum that listed the main terms of their future contract.

同義詞
  • letter of intent

    a more formal written statement of a future agreement; often used in business deals

  • heads of agreement

    used in Commonwealth legal systems; lists the main terms of a proposed deal

文法句型

memorandum of understanding

memorandum of agreement

memorandum + that-clause

用法筆記

The phrase 'memorandum of understanding' (MOU) is very common in international business and diplomacy. An MOU is usually not legally binding by itself but shows serious intent to move toward a formal contract.

常見錯誤

❌The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding, so the deal is now legally final.
✅The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding, but the formal contract has not been signed yet.
💡A memorandum of understanding is usually not a legally binding contract; it records the intention to make a formal agreement later.