commemorative
- 01 C1 Advanced
adj.made or done to honour a person or event from the past.
adj.serving to preserve the memory of a person, event, or anniversary.
Simple“The city issued a commemorative coin to celebrate its 200th anniversary.”
In context“The university held a commemorative service to honour the professors who had dedicated their lives to scientific research.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it describes.
Synonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
n.an object, like a coin or a stamp, created to mark a special event.
n.an object, such as a medal, plate, or stamp, produced specifically to mark a significant occasion.
Simple“Collectors often pay high prices for rare commemoratives from the royal wedding.”
In context“The museum's latest acquisition is a rare silver commemorative issued after the peace treaty was signed.”
UsageCommonly used by collectors of coins, stamps, or historical memorabilia.
Synonymskeepsakememento - 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a special postage stamp issued to honour a person or event.
n.a postage stamp issued for a limited time to mark a specific anniversary or theme.
Simple“I bought a sheet of commemoratives featuring famous local authors.”
In context“Philatelists often distinguish between definitive issues and commemoratives, which are printed in smaller quantities for specific events.”
UsageSpecific to the field of philately (stamp collecting).
Synonyms
“Funding flows readily toward capital projects, such as a shiny new garden or commemorative plaza, but often dries up the moment construction ends.”
“Repetition in family accounts, newspapers, commemorative culture and eventually museum interpretation helped transform an unverified tradition into an apparently authoritative history.”