commemorate
What does "commemorate" mean?
To commemorate something is to honor the memory of an event, person, or period by means of a ceremony, a monument, or a special action. The mental image is that of "keeping the memory together" (from the Latin *commemorare*), ensuring that a significant moment from the past is not forgotten by the present generation. This is a formal verb typically used in contexts involving history, public memorials, or significant anniversaries. You would rarely use it in casual, everyday conversation (e.g., "I commemorated my breakfast"); instead, it is reserved for events that carry weight, dignity, or collective importance, such as holidays, wars, or the opening of a new landmark.
"commemorate" in conversation
Planning a memorial service
We should plan something special to commemorate his contributions to the library.
We should plan something special to commemorate his contributions to the library.
Agreed, maybe a plaque in the reading room?
Agreed, maybe a plaque in the reading room?
Used here to suggest a formal way of honoring someone's legacy.
Discussing a national holiday
Why do we have the day off on Monday?
Why do we have the day off on Monday?
It's to commemorate the signing of the peace treaty.
It's to commemorate the signing of the peace treaty.
Commonly used when explaining the historical significance of a public holiday.
"commemorate" in a sentence
We gathered to commemorate the fallen soldiers.
We gathered to commemorate the fallen soldiers.
The city built a statue to commemorate the city's founder.
The city built a statue to commemorate the city's founder.
The ceremony was held to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the institution's founding.
The ceremony was held to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the institution's founding.
