Word
commemorate
Phoneticscom·mem·o·rate, stress on the second syllable
US/kəˈmɛmɝˌeɪt/
UK/kəmˈɛməɹˌeɪt/
Definitions
01to honour with an action
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to remember an important person or event by having a special ceremony or event.
v. to honour the memory of a person or event through a formal ceremony or public observance.
“Every year, the town holds a parade to commemorate the end of the war.”
“The university held a private service to commemorate the founding members who had dedicated their lives to the institution.”
02to serve as a memorial
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to be a physical object, like a statue or a plaque, that helps people remember someone.
v. to serve as a physical memorial or lasting tribute to a person, group, or historical event.
“A small stone plaque was placed in the park to commemorate the local poet.”
“The massive bronze sculpture was commissioned to commemorate the victims of the natural disaster and stands as a symbol of resilience.”
Synonyms
Usage
Transitive; takes a direct object (the person or event being honored).
Real-World Examples
“The Andoque still commemorate this episode in a ceremonial dance to shield themselves from violence of non-Indigenous origin.” “Even though the Bible doesn't specifically mention this, for Católicos it commemorates the day the Virgin Mary entered heaven, and it’s traditionally honoured with church masses across the country.” Etymology
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/commemorate