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Unveiling self: "autobiography" vs. "memoir"

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 01/10/2024, 08:51
English.me team member
Autobiography and memoir. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both are forms of self-narrative where the author writes about their own life experiences.

What is different?

An autobiography is a comprehensive account of the author's life, usually chronological, while a memoir focuses on specific themes or periods and is often more reflective.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for autobiography) and memoir

Examples of usage

Autobiography
  • She published her autobiography at the age of sixty, detailing her entire life from childhood to her successful career.
  • The autobiography chronicles his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned scientist.
Memoir
  • His memoir captures the essence of his years spent living abroad and the cultural challenges he faced.
  • The memoir focuses on her experiences during the war, offering a personal perspective on historical events.

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