commemorative

American  

[kuh-mem-uh-rey-tiv, -er-uh-tiv] / kəˈmɛm əˌreɪ tɪv, -ər ə tɪv /

adjective

1. serving to commemorate.

   a commemorative monument; a commemorative dinner.

2. (of a coin, medal, or postage stamp) issued to commemorate a historical event, to honor the memory of a personage, etc.

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noun

1. anything that commemorates.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• uncommemorative
  adjective
• noncommemorative
  adjective
• commemoratively
  adverb
• noncommemoratively
  adverb
• uncommemoratively
  adverb
• commemorativeness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of commemorative

First recorded in 1605–15; commemorat(ion) + -ive

Explanation

Anything that acts as a memorial to something or someone is commemorative — whether it's an action like a charity walk or an object like a war memorial. Certain commemorative objects are known simply as commemoratives. Think, for example, of the Elvis Presley commemorative stamps your Dad keeps in his sock drawer (he was young once), or the commemorative coins minted for such events as the inauguration of a new President or the moon landing. See late night TV in particular for "special commemorative offers."

Related Words

• celebratory