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REFERENCE

remembrance

n.
US //ɹiˈmɛmbɹəns// UK //ɹɪmˈɛmbɹəns// re·mem·brance
  1. 1 the act of remembering (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    the act of remembering a person or event, often to show respect.

    the act of remembering or the state of being remembered, particularly in a collective or commemorative sense.

    Example

    The statue was built in remembrance of the soldiers who died in the war.

    Example

    The annual service of remembrance provides a space for the community to honour those who lost their lives during the conflict.

    Usage

    Often follows the preposition 'in' as in 'in remembrance of'.
  2. 2 a memory or memento (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    a specific memory of someone or something, or an object that helps you remember them.

    a specific recollection or a physical token serving as a memento.

    Example

    She kept the old photograph as a remembrance of her childhood home.

    Example

    He cherished every small remembrance of their time together, from old ticket stubs to faded postcards.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern English, 'souvenir' or 'memento' is much more common for physical objects; 'remembrance' in this sense feels quite old-fashioned or poetic.
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  1. 3 span of memory (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary

    the length of time that you can remember things.

    the reach or period of time covered by one's memory.

    Example

    There has not been a storm this strong in living remembrance.

    Example

    The elders claimed that no such drought had occurred within the remembrance of any man living in the village.

    Teacher's tip

    Modern speakers almost always use 'living memory' instead of 'living remembrance'.
Origin

From Middle English remembraunce, from Old French remembrance, from remembrer (“to remember”), from Late Latin rememorārī (“to call to mind, to remember”). Equivalent to remember + -ance.

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