1
Core action
Honour and preserve the memory of a person or event, often through a ceremony or memorial.
Example
The monument commemorates those who died in the flood.
commemorate
/kəˈmeməreɪt/ · kuh-MEM-uh-raytverb
Honour and preserve the memory of a person or event, often through a ceremony or memorial.
Use commemorate to express this relationship precisely: honour and preserve the memory of a person or event, often through a ceremony or memorial.
What commemorate Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
Residents gather annually to commemorate the uprising.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The exhibition commemorates the university's centenary.
Use commemorate Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The monument commemorates those who died in the flood.
Residents gather annually to commemorate the uprising.
The exhibition commemorates the university's centenary.
Precision Matters
Commemorate overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
commemorate
vs.Means honour and preserve the memory of a person or event, often through a ceremony or memorial.
lament
Means express grief, sorrow, or regret about a loss, condition, or event.
commemorate
vs.Means honour and preserve the memory of a person or event, often through a ceremony or memorial.
venerate
Means regard or treat someone or something with profound respect, reverence, or devotion.
commemorate
vs.Means honour and preserve the memory of a person or event, often through a ceremony or memorial.
decry
Means publicly express strong disapproval of an action, policy, or condition.
commemorate
vs.Means honour and preserve the memory of a person or event, often through a ceremony or memorial.
nostalgia
Means a sentimental longing for or affectionate remembrance of the past.
Test commemorate in Context
The memorial honours and preserves their memory.
1
The city built a memorial to ___ the workers who lost their lives in the disaster.