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commemorate

kuh-MEM-uh-rayt /kəˈmɛm.ə.reɪt/

verbC1GRESATTOEFLIELTS

formal

To recall and show respect for someone or something in a ceremony.

Implies an intentional, organized act of remembering through an event, monument, or speech.

The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'commemorare', combining the prefix 'com-' (altogether) with 'memorare' (to call to mind). It passed through Middle French before entering English in the 16th century, retaining its sense of collective, ceremonial memory.

Word relationships

memorialize: Memorialize often implies preserving memory after someone has passed away.
honor: Honor is broader and can refer to present status rather than past history.

forget: Forget means to lose remembrance entirely.
ignore: Ignore means to willfully disregard.

Commonly confused with

commiserate: Commiserate means to express sympathy or sorrow for someone's misfortune.

Word family

commemoration (noun): A ceremony or event established to remember someone or something.
commemorative (adjective): Serving as a remembrance.

Collocations

commemorate an achievement
commemorate the occasion
commemorate service
commemorate a career

Example sentences

"The faculty gathered in the historic hall to commemorate Dr. Eleanor Vance’s forty-five years of teaching." Academic assembly
"A bronze plaque was unveiled to commemorate the founder's contribution to the city." Public history

Memory hook

Co- (together) + Memory = Remembering together in a formal way. Bringing memories together in celebration.

When not to use

Do not use for casual, fleeting recollections of everyday thoughts.

Fun facts

Commemorative coins are minted by national treasury departments specifically to mark historic events.