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

He added that it was "important that as a society we commemorate and remember those affected - for the impacts are often lifelong".

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Like many other Japanese lawmakers, she has been a frequent visitor to Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, where Japanese war dead, including some war criminals, are commemorated.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Gill had visited Ukraine in May 2018 and was with Voloshyn at an event to commemorate the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

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The auction, which will be held in person in Los Angeles as well as online, commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Jim Henson Company and is expected to raise tens of thousands of dollars.

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Freddie Mercury has been commemorated on a new collectable coin, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of his legendary Live Aid performance.

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Related Words

• celebrate 
• memorialize 
• observe 
• remember 
• salute