To commemorate is to honor or remember a person, event, or achievement, typically through a ceremony, memorial, or other forms of recognition. It’s an act of remembering, often in a way that preserves the significance of a moment or person for future generations. Whether through monuments, celebrations, or traditions, to commemorate is to show respect and ensure that important moments are not forgotten.
Definition
Commemorate (verb):
To honor the memory of someone or something, typically through a ceremony, event, or other form of recognition.
Examples in Context
- “The community came together to commemorate the lives of those lost in the tragic accident.”
- “Every year, they commemorate the founding of the town with a parade and a community dinner.”
- “The plaque was placed to commemorate the historic battle that took place here hundreds of years ago.”
Origin
The word commemorate comes from the Latin com-, meaning “together,” and memorare, meaning “to remember.” It has been used in English since the late 16th century to denote an act of remembrance.
The Purpose of Commemoration
Commemoration serves as a way to remember and reflect on significant events, people, or milestones. It can be deeply personal, such as remembering a loved one, or collective, like a national holiday that honors a historic moment. Commemoration helps preserve the past, ensuring that its lessons and legacies are passed down to future generations.
Synonyms
- Honor
- Celebrate
- Remember
- Recognize
- Memorialize
- Mark
Antonyms
- Forget
- Disregard
- Neglect
- Ignore
Conclusion
To commemorate is to pay tribute, to keep the memory of something important alive, and to acknowledge the impact it has had on the present. Whether through a quiet reflection or a grand celebration, commemoration helps us honor the past while keeping its legacy relevant in our lives today.