Word
commemorative
Phoneticscom·mem·o·ra·tive, stress on the second syllable
US/kəˈmɛmɝˌeɪtɪv/
UK/kəmˈɛmɹətˌɪv/
Definitions
01serving to remember
C1 · Advanced Formal
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.
“The city issued a commemorative coin to celebrate its 200th anniversary.”
“The university held a commemorative service to honour the professors who had dedicated their lives to scientific research.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
Synonyms
02a memorial object
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal · Technical
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.
“Collectors often pay high prices for rare commemoratives from the royal wedding.”
“The museum's latest acquisition is a rare silver commemorative issued after the peace treaty was signed.”
Usage
Commonly used by collectors of coins, stamps, or historical memorabilia.
03postage stamp
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical
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.
“I bought a sheet of commemoratives featuring famous local authors.”
“Philatelists often distinguish between definitive issues and commemoratives, which are printed in smaller quantities for specific events.”
Usage
Specific to the field of philately (stamp collecting).
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/commemorative