ENGLISH
REFERENCE

commemorate

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //kəˈmɛmɝˌeɪt// UK //kəmˈɛməɹˌeɪt// com·mem·o·rate Archaic

v. to show that you remember and respect someone or something important, often with a special event or object.

v. to honor the memory of a person or event, typically through a ceremony, monument, or public observance.


SIMPLE

We hold a ceremony to commemorate the war heroes.

CONTEXTUAL

The city built a new park to commemorate the centenary of the local library.

COMPLEX

The annual festival serves to commemorate the cultural heritage of the region, blending traditional music with contemporary art installations.

Synonyms
Origin

First attested in 1599; borrowed from Latin commemorātus, perfect passive participle of commemorō, see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix). Sporadic usage of the adjective up until Early Modern English.

Usage

Transitive; takes a direct object (the person or event being honored).

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