implicit memories

Meaning

1. 1nounpluraltechnical

   Things you have learned or experienced that influence your behavior without your being aware of recalling them.

   Grammar: Plural form of implicit memory; usually used in the plural: implicit memories shape habits.

   Patterns

   • implicit memories of something
   • implicit memories shape something

   Riding a bicycle relies on implicit memories rather than a list of steps.

   Implicit memories from childhood can affect how we react to certain smells.

   Therapists sometimes explore implicit memories that a patient cannot put into words.

Common combinations

form implicit memories

Babies form implicit memories long before they can speak.

implicit memories and explicit memories

Implicit memories and explicit memories are stored through different brain systems.

stored implicit memories

Stored implicit memories can trigger a fear response without warning.

early implicit memories

Early implicit memories may shape how safe we feel with others.

unconscious implicit memories

Unconscious implicit memories can drive a habit we do not understand.

Synonyms and how they differ

procedural memories

Procedural memories are the skills part of implicit memory, such as typing, whereas implicit memories also include emotional associations.

unconscious memories

Unconscious memories is the everyday phrase, while implicit memories is the more precise scientific term.

muscle memory

Muscle memory is an informal phrase for learned physical skills, narrower than implicit memories.

Opposites

Word family

implicit adjective

suggested but not stated directly

implicitly adverb

in an unstated way

memory noun

the ability to remember

memorize verb

to learn so you can recall exactly

Commonly confused: implicit memories or explicit memories?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “implicit memories”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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