How Often Should You Review Vocabulary? The Science Behind Spaced Repetition
1 min read
Learning new words feels great — until they start slipping away.
The secret to remembering vocabulary long-term isn’t cramming… it’s spacing.
The Forgetting Curve
We forget new information quickly — within days or even hours.
But each time we review at the right moment, our memory gets stronger.
This idea is visualized by Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve — and it’s exactly what spaced repetition combats.
What Is Spaced Repetition?
Spaced repetition schedules reviews right before you’re likely to forget.
In Mora, this happens automatically:
- New words show up more often
- Familiar words appear less frequently
- Tough cards reappear until they stick
How Often Should You Review?
It depends on your familiarity:
| Stage | Example Interval |
|---|---|
| New word | 6 hours |
| Early review | 1–2 days |
| Intermediate | 7–14 days |
| Mature | 30+ days |
Mora’s built-in algorithm adapts these intervals based on your answers — so you always review at the optimal time.
The Key Takeaway
Consistency beats intensity.
Just 10 minutes of review a day keeps your vocabulary alive — and your brain happy.