ENGLISH
REFERENCE

commemoration

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //kəˌmɛmɝˈeɪʃən// UK //kəmˌɛməɹˈeɪʃən// com·mem·o·ra·tion

n. an event or object that helps people remember and honor a person or a past event. It is often a formal ceremony or a monument.

n. the act of honoring the memory of a person or event, or a ceremony or monument designed for this purpose. Often involves formal ritual or public recognition.


SIMPLE

The town held a commemoration for the fallen soldiers.

CONTEXTUAL

The annual commemoration at the cathedral includes a moment of silence and the laying of wreaths.

COMPLEX

The museum's latest exhibition serves as a somber commemoration of the victims, ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations through interactive oral histories.

Synonyms
Origin

First attested in 1384, in Middle English; inherited from Middle English commemoracioun, from Old French commemoration (French commémoration), from Latin commemorātiō. By surface analysis, commemorate + -ion

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of' to specify the subject being remembered.

© 2026 English Reference