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

More than 1,000 people attended a rally in Manchester city centre on Sunday which commemorated those killed and injured in the attack.

From BBC

Gandhi's birthday is usually commemorated at the statue with floral tributes and renditions of his favourite hymns.

From BBC

The memorial aimed to commemorate the 2.5 million Muslim soldiers and labourers who are believed to have fought with the Allied forces in World War One, and 5.5 million in World War Two.

From BBC

To commemorate the milestone, Bouchard and the cast discussed, in their own words edited for clarity and length, “Bob’s Burgers’” status as a “comfort show,” the Belcher family dynamics, memorable episodes and more.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Bodak Yellow” singer managed to squeeze in a meet-and-greet event at the store to commemorate last week’s release of her sophomore album, “Am I the Drama?”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• celebrate 
• memorialize 
• observe 
• remember 
• salute