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

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

In this, Jen’s 10th book, she wistfully, unsparingly commemorates that “spring” — a punishing mother she nevertheless credits for “biting my heel.”

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They smiled and proudly wore medals around their necks commemorating their marathon achievement.

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The L.A. cast has sent a celebratory video to the British cast commemorating the monumental milestone, and the mood behind the scenes before curtain is euphoric.

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Columbus Day became a federally recognized holiday in 1971 to commemorate the landing of Columbus in the Americas in October 1492.

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"We want peace, and we will have peace, but peace with freedom, with sovereignty," Maduro said at an event commemorating the discovery of the Americas, celebrated in Venezuela as "Indigenous Resistance Day."

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Related Words

• celebrate 
• memorialize 
• observe 
• remember 
• salute