commemorate

[kuh-mem-uh-reyt]

verb (used with object)

commemorated, commemorating 

1. to serve as a memorial or reminder of.

   The monument commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

2. to honor the memory of by some observance.

   to commemorate the dead by a moment of silence; to commemorate Bastille Day.

3. to make honorable mention of.

commemorate

/ kəˈmɛməˌreɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to honour or keep alive the memory of

Other Word Forms

• commemorable adjective
• commemorator noun
• uncommemorated adjective
• commemoratively adverb
• commemorative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of commemorate¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin commemorātus “recalled,” past participle of commemorāre “to recall, put on record,” from com- com- + memor “mindful” + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of commemorate¹

C16: from Latin commemorāre be mindful of, from com- (intensive) + memorāre to remind, from memor mindful

Example Sentences

Before the Army Corps and its workers packed up, they held two small ceremonies to commemorate the last homes to be cleaned in each burn scar.

From Los Angeles Times

Rohan Mehta, a software professional, has lived in the US with his family for 11 years but had travelled to Nagpur at the beginning of the month to see relatives commemorating his father's death.

From BBC

It describes itself as “an upside-down digital/analogue universe” that draws from original artwork and recordings to “commemorate 21 years of Kid A and Amnesiac.”

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, Metro will commemorate Friday’s opening with fanfare.

From Los Angeles Times

The President and first lady were honoured with a spectacular aerial display by the British Army's Red Devils to commemorate their historic state visit.

From BBC

Related Words

• celebrate 
• memorialize 
• observe 
• remember 
• salute