1.
rote memorization; learning by heart without understanding
Memorizing something entirely by repetition without necessarily understanding the content. The 丸 prefix emphasizes the completeness — memorizing the whole thing.
公式を丸暗記した。
I memorized the formula by rote.
丸暗記では応用が利かない。
Rote memorization doesn't help with practical application.
教科書を丸暗記するよりも、理解して覚えたほうがいい。
Rather than memorizing the textbook word for word, it's better to learn by understanding.
The prefix 丸 adds the sense of "whole" or "entirely," meaning something is memorized in its entirety without modification or analysis.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 丸暗記する (to memorize by rote)
- 丸暗記に頼る (to rely on rote memorization)
- 教科書を丸暗記する (to memorize a textbook word for word)
USAGE NOTE:
Often used with a negative nuance, implying that merely memorizing without understanding is insufficient. Common in discussions about education and study methods.