
However, much like memory itself, most mnemonics are highly individualized, created by the learner in such a way that meshes with his or her own style of thinking and past experiences. Some mnemonics are well known - for instance, most grade-schoolers learn a variation of ROY G BIV, an acrostic that is supposed to help one remember the colors of the rainbow.

Such a tool can take a wide variety of forms, but some of the most common include rhymes, acrostic words (in which each letter in the word stands for a key component of the information), funny or stand-out images, visual patterns, and mantras.

What makes mnemonics helpful is that they present difficult concepts or large amounts of information in a way that is easy to retain. Remember this: a mnemonic is a useful device or trick that can aid in memory!Įither in its noun form or as an adjective (usually in conjunction with the word device), a mnemonic highlights the key concept of a body of information one is trying to memorize and sums it up in a neat, unique little pattern that both reinforces its meaning and makes it easy to remember.
