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Glite Dictionary
immediate memory

immediate memory

4.1
The ability to remember something right after you see or hear it
  • noun
  • /ɪˈmiːdiət ˈmɛməri/
  • Specialized
translation icon : memoria inmediata
  • After studying the list of vocabulary words, she could recall each one with her immediate memory during the quiz.

And when she said that, I had an immediate memory.

Examples

  • Sprenger (2007), in her book about teaching students to remember, reminds us "information that enters immediate memory is lost rapidly unless it is manipulated in some way."

    Academic text (2012)

  • His immediate memory allowed him to remember the names of every participant in the meeting as soon as they introduced themselves.

  • But without such a reason, we cannot doubt present or immediate memory, since "if the immediate inner experience is not certain, we cannot be sure of any truth of fact" (A VI, vi, 238).

    Academic text (1998)

  • There were the bits and pieces culled from immediate memory, the snapshots and slight recordings of locals busting through front doors that first week to a whole series of "Did you hear?" and "Listen!" families dwelling around the hearth to learn what participants in the protests saw and heard.

    Academic text (2004)

  • The teacher emphasized the importance of immediate memory for students taking exams shortly after reviewing the material.

Synonyms

short-term memory
vsimmediate memory
  • Specialized
22 3.9

The ability to remember things for a short time

recalls information immediately with no delay after perception
STM
vsimmediate memory
  • Specialized
1 6.1

The small amount of information you can hold in your mind for a short time

describes recall instantly with no delay rather than brief active holding

Antonyms

long-term memory
  • Specialized
7 3.7

The part of the brain that keeps information for a long time

How Immediate

immediate memory
  • Specialized
4.1
short-term memory
  • Specialized
22 3.9
long-term memory
  • Specialized
7 3.7

Surface Forms

immediate memory singular
immediate memories plural

Morphology

immediate + memory

The meaning is directly compositionally derived from 'immediate' (occurring at once) modifying 'memory' (ability to recall), so it straightforwardly denotes memory for information right after perception. This adjective+noun composition is a common, cross-linguistic pattern and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Immediate memory comes from a simple image: immediate means 'right away' and memory means 'remembering'. So it is like holding a picture in your mind the moment you see or hear it, and that's why it means the ability to recall information just after you perceive it.