# commemorate

/kəˈmɛmɝˌeɪt/ (US) · /kəmˈɛməɹˌeɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/commemorate
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to honour with an action

verb · CEFR B2

to remember an important person or event by having a special ceremony or event.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually the event or person being remembered.

### 2. to serve as a memorial

verb · CEFR B2

to be a physical object, like a statue or a plaque, that helps people remember someone.

For teachers: 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.

Teaching tip: Learners often confuse this with 'celebrate'; remind them that 'commemorate' is more formal and often used for serious or somber occasions.

## Examples

- We hold a ceremony to commemorate the war heroes.
- The city built a new park to commemorate the centenary of the local library.
- The annual festival serves to commemorate the cultural heritage of the region, blending traditional music with contemporary art installations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.