ENGLISH
REFERENCE

commemorative

adj.
C1 Advanced US //kəˈmɛmɝˌeɪtɪv// UK //kəmˈɛmɹətˌɪv// com·mem·o·ra·tive

adj. made or done to help people remember a special person or event. You often see this word used for things like stamps, coins, or statues.

adj. intended to serve as a memorial of a person or event. Often used attributively to describe objects produced for a specific anniversary or historical milestone.


SIMPLE

The post office released a new commemorative stamp today.

CONTEXTUAL

The city council decided to install a commemorative plaque at the site of the old library to honor its historical significance.

COMPLEX

The museum's latest exhibition features a collection of commemorative medals struck during the late nineteenth century to celebrate various industrial achievements.

Synonyms
Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often appears in formal or official contexts.

Pitfall

a commemorative of the wara commemoration of the warLearners often use the adjective 'commemorative' as a noun; the correct noun for the act or object of remembering is 'commemoration' or 'memorial'.

© 2026 English Reference