memo noun Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes
As plurals memoranda and memorandums are about equally frequent. In law, a memorandum is a record of the terms of a transaction or contract, such as a policy memo, memorandum of understanding, memorandum of agreement, or memorandum of association. In business, a memo is typically used by firms for internal communication, while letters are typically for external communication. These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘memorandum.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
- Typically, a briefing note may be denoted as either “for information” or “for decision”.
- A government green paper which raises a policy option and is meant to open a dialogue on the proposal is more similar in tone to a briefing note than is a white paper.
- A specific type of memorandum is the policy briefing note (alternatively referred to in various jurisdictions and governing traditions as policy issues paper, policy memoranda, or cabinet submission amongst other terms), a document for transmitting policy analysis into the political decision making sphere.
- In addition to keeping a proper memo concise and easily comprehensible, there are a few other important features.
- The origins of the term “briefing” lie in legal “briefs” and the derivative “military briefings”.[3] The plural form of the Latin noun memorandum so derived is properly memoranda, but if the word is deemed to have become a word of the English language, the plural memorandums, abbreviated to memos, may be used.
As the communication mechanism of the policy analysis process, the briefing note should provide a coherent synopsis of a policy problem, identify different policy options for addressing the problem, articulate opposing perspectives and advocate a recommended option. Policy documents that start with a proposal and assemble an argument for that position are more accurately referred to as a government white paper. A government green paper which raises a policy option and is meant to open a dialogue on the proposal is more similar in tone to a briefing note than is a white paper. In addition to keeping a proper memo concise and easily comprehensible, there are a few other important features. The style and tone of a memo should always be kept professional, no matter who the audience may be.[9] This etiquette ensures that no matter who reads the message, it is presented professionally and respectfully. It is common to also see briefing notes with numbered paragraphs, in order to create an efficient and well-organized paper.[10] Since entering the digital age, signatures are not commonly seen at the end of a memo.
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However, when a briefing note was handwritten in earlier years, they typically included a signature.[11] Today it is still acceptable to sign or initial a memo if the writer wishes to. A specific type of memorandum is the policy briefing note (alternatively referred to in various jurisdictions memorandum meaning and governing traditions as policy issues paper, policy memoranda, or cabinet submission amongst other terms), a document for transmitting policy analysis into the political decision making sphere. Typically, a briefing note may be denoted as either “for information” or “for decision”.
Meaning of memorandum – Learner’s Dictionary
The origins of the term “briefing” lie in legal “briefs” and the derivative “military briefings”.[3] The plural form of the Latin noun memorandum so derived is properly memoranda, but if the word is deemed to have become a word of the English language, the plural memorandums, abbreviated to memos, may be used. Although some commentators warn against the use of memoranda as a singular and condemn the plural memorandas, our evidence indicates that these forms are rarely encountered in print. We have a little evidence of the confusion of forms, including use of memorandum as a plural, in speech (as at congressional hearings).