commemorate

[ kuh-mem-uh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, com·mem·o·rat·ed, com·mem·o·rat·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• comˈmemoˌrator, noun
• comˈmemoratively, adverb
• comˈmemorative, adjective

Other Words From

• com·memo·ra·ble adjective
• com·memo·rator noun
• uncom·memo·rated 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

DeShaun Foster acknowledged that both of the game balls he’s been given this season to commemorate coaching firsts could have gone to someone equally worthy.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the company, Jamison oversaw two engagements in South Africa and a 50-city global tour that commemorated the company’s 50th anniversary.

From Los Angeles Times

While the Armistice Day tradition began as a way of commemorating those killed in World War One, it is now used to remember all the people killed in wars since then.

From BBC

The day is commemorated every year to mark the signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany in 1918.

From BBC

It is commemorated every year on Nov. 11 to memorialize the date of the armistice between the United States and other Allied nations and Germany in World War I.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• celebrate
• memorialize
• observe
• remember
• salute