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commemoration

kuh-mem-uh-RAY-shuhn /kəˌmeməˈreɪʃən/

nounB2SATTOEFL

formal

A ceremony or event held to remember and honor a past person, milestone, or sacred historical event.

Focuses on collective memory, honoring history, and preserving sacred heritage through action.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'commemoratio', combining 'com-' (together) with 'memorare' (to mention or recall). It describes the communal act of bringing memory forward into present consciousness.

Word relationships

remembrance: 'Remembrance' can be quiet or internal; 'commemoration' implies a public, active ceremony or monument.
tribute: 'Tribute' honors a person's qualities, whereas 'commemoration' keeps a specific event or history alive.

oblivion: 'Oblivion' is the state of being forgotten entirely.

Commonly confused with

Commendation: 'Commendation' is formal praise or award; 'commemoration' is remembering an event or person.

Word family

commemorate (verb): To recall and show respect for in a ceremony.
commemorative (adjective): Serving as a memorial or celebration of an event.

Collocations

in commemoration of
solemn commemoration
annual commemoration
commemoration ceremony

Idioms & expressions

in memory of

Example sentences

"The community gathered for an annual commemoration of their town's founders." Annual Holiday
"Passover is a solemn commemoration of the liberation of Israel from Egyptian bondage." Religious Celebration

Memory hook

COM (Together) + MEMORY = Remembering together. Bringing memory alive together.

When not to use

Do not use for future planning that has no relation to past memory.

Fun facts

Commemorative coins were minted by ancient Roman emperors to publicize victories, treaties, and major religious festivals across the empire.

Related words

rite, covenant, sanctification

Explore more words

commemorate, monument, remembrance, memorial, preservation, hallowed