coˌmmemoˈration: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “coˌmmemoˈration” mean?
An act or ceremony of remembering and showing respect for someone important who has died or an important past event.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An act or ceremony of remembering and showing respect for someone important who has died or an important past event.
A memorial object (like a plaque or statue), the period during which an event is remembered, or institutional activities marking historical anniversaries.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; both varieties use the word identically.
Connotations
In British usage, slightly stronger association with official state/royal ceremonies; in American, broader association with military and civic memorials.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties, with slight elevation in UK press around Remembrance Sunday/Armistice Day contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coˌmmemoˈration” in a Sentence
commemoration of [event/person]in commemoration of [event/person]commemoration [marking/celebrating] [anniversary]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coˌmmemoˈration” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The plaque commemorates the battle.
- We shall commemorate the centenary next year.
American English
- The statue commemorates the founding fathers.
- A parade will commemorate Independence Day.
adverb
British English
- The event was held commemoratively.
American English
- The speech was delivered commemoratively.
adjective
British English
- A commemorative plaque was unveiled.
- They issued commemorative stamps for the Royal Jubilee.
American English
- Commemorative coins were minted for the bicentennial.
- The museum held a commemorative exhibition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; might appear in CSR reports about historical company anniversaries.
Academic
Common in history, sociology, and memory studies (e.g., 'politics of commemoration').
Everyday
Used for discussing memorial services, anniversaries of deaths, or public holidays like Remembrance Day.
Technical
In heritage/museum studies: 'commemorative practices', 'sites of commemoration'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coˌmmemoˈration”
Strong
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coˌmmemoˈration”
- Mispronouncing /kəˌmem.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ with stress on 'com-MEM' instead of 'mem-o' (weak-strong-weak-strong pattern).
- Using 'commemoration' for happy birthdays (too formal/solemn).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exclusively, but it is typically solemn. It can mark significant historical anniversaries (like a constitution) with respect, not necessarily sadness.
Commemoration emphasizes respectful remembrance (often of people/events from the past). Celebration emphasizes joy and festivity (often for happy occasions).
Stress pattern: weak-STRONG-weak-STRONG. Pronounce: kuh-MEM-uh-RAY-shun. The primary stress is on 'MEM', secondary on 'RAY'.
No, the verb is 'commemorate'. 'Commemoration' is only a noun.
An act or ceremony of remembering and showing respect for someone important who has died or an important past event.
Coˌmmemoˈration is usually formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in commemoration of”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
COMMEMORATION = COM (together) + MEMOR (memory) + ATION (act) → an act of remembering together.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMEMORATION IS A PUBLIC RITUAL; COMMEMORATION IS A BRIDGE TO THE PAST.
Practice
Quiz
Which word is closest in meaning to 'commemoration'?