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REFERENCE

memorial

n. · adj.
US //məˈmɔɹiəɫ// UK //məmˈɔːɹɪəl// memo·ri·al
  1. 1 a monument (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a statue, building, or object created to help people remember a person or a past event.

    a physical structure or object established to preserve the memory of a person, group, or historical event.

    Example

    The town built a stone memorial to remember the soldiers who died in the war.

    Example

    The architect designed a minimalist memorial that encouraged visitors to reflect silently on the tragedy while walking through the granite pillars.

  2. 2 a ceremony (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a special event or religious service held to honor someone who has died.

    a commemorative service or ceremony performed in honour of a deceased person.

    Example

    The family held a small memorial for their grandfather in the garden.

    Example

    The university organised a public memorial to celebrate the professor's lifelong contribution to the field of linguistics.

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  1. 3 legal petition (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

    a formal document given to a government or court that lists facts and asks for something.

    a formal statement of facts addressed to a legislative body or court, typically accompanying a petition.

    Example

    The group submitted a memorial to the government asking for a change in the law.

    Example

    The legal team drafted a detailed memorial outlining the historical grievances of the community to be presented before the international tribunal.

  2. 4 commemorative (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to describe something that is done to remember a person or event.

    serving as a remembrance or commemoration of a person or event.

    Example

    They planted a memorial tree in the park for the former mayor.

    Example

    The foundation established a memorial scholarship to support students who demonstrated the same commitment to social justice as the late senator.

Origin

From Late Latin memoriale, neuter of memorialis. By surface analysis, memory + -ial.

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