commemoration

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "commemoration" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a ceremony or event to remember an important event or person in history. For example, "The town held a commemoration ceremony to honor the brave soldiers who died in the battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Human rights activists and politicians in South Africa, for instance, closely studied German trials, public commemoration and schoolbooks; and the Chinese admonished Japan that, in dealing with the second world war, it should adopt the "German model".

The Guardian - Opinion

Ministers were also advised to avoid attendance at any commemoration of the Armenian genocide, and to avoid any mention of it at Holocaust Day memorials.

The Guardian - Books

The real test of this government's willingness to accept historical truth will be whether it sends a senior minister – or any minister at all – to the genocide commemoration in Yerevan, the Armenian capital, on 24 April.

The Guardian - Books

On the following day a permanent commemoration of poem and poet, a slate plaque carved by the sculptor Martin Jennings, will be unveiled at King's Cross station in London.

The Guardian

I ask him, too, for his response to the somewhat religious language (references to the "spirit", the "fallen" and "sacrifice" for example) that have imbued the public conversation, especially among political and commemoration leaders, about Anzac.

The Guardian

Take, for instance, Labour's inaction over the fact that a Sinn Fein Euro election candidate spoke at commemoration for the IRA bomber and Nazi advocate Sean Russell earlier this autumn.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, having declined an invitation to take part in a major commemoration ceremony to mark the end of the second world war, in protest at Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea, Angela Merkel and a small diplomatic delegation will travel to Moscow for a deliberately low-key event on 10 May, where she and Putin will lay wreaths on the grave of the Unknown Soldier.

The Guardian

Part of the reason why Sinn Fein has invested so much in their Co.Tyrone commemoration next weekend is to in effect "reclaim the dead" from the dissident republicans and to show that they represent the republican base in a county with long, historic association to militant republicanism.

The Guardian

Over two days at Fox Studios, Seven West Media showed off its wares to a stream of advertisers, media buyers and journalists, promising to remain at the top of the ratings until 2020 with a strong offering of multi-channel Olympic sport, Australian drama, Anzac commemoration and of course the real money spinner, reality.

The Guardian

But given its immense popularity among Australian and international visitors, and the resurgence of commemoration during the centenary of the first world war there is no doubt the memorial stands as a prescient testimony to national sentiment and the bipartisan politics underpinning it.

The Guardian

All the while, he has effectively been Australia's civilian commemorator in chief - preparing Australia's most revered and popular public institution for the four-year festival of commemoration of the global cataclysm that was the first world war but to which Australia refers parochially as Anzac100.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical events, use "commemoration" to emphasize the importance of remembering and honoring the past. For instance, "The annual commemoration of World War II serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made."

Common error

Avoid using "commemoration" when a simple celebration is more appropriate. "Commemoration" carries a solemn tone, so reserve it for events that honor significant or historical occasions, not casual festivities.

Linguistic Context

The word "commemoration" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the act of commemorating or a specific event held for that purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing observances and celebrations designed to honor memories.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commemoration" is a noun widely used, particularly in news and media, to describe the act of remembering and honoring significant events or people. Ludwig AI identifies its grammatical correctness and its function in formal observances. While it is semantically related to terms like "remembrance" and "memorial", it carries a distinct sense of solemnity and formality. The phrase is best used in contexts where honoring and remembering past events is the primary goal, avoiding its misuse in contexts that call for simple "celebration". As usage shows, "commemoration" serves as a reminder of history and sacrifices, making it a key term in discussions of cultural and historical significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

day of remembrance

Specifies a particular day set aside for remembering.

act of remembrance

Emphasizes the action of remembering, making it more personal and less formal.

ceremony of remembrance

Highlights the ceremonial aspect of remembering.

annual memorial

Highlights the recurring nature of the memorial event.

memorial observance

Focuses on the act of observing a memorial, highlighting the formal aspect.

historical remembrance

Focuses on remembering historical events or figures.

memorial service

Specifically refers to a service held in memory of someone, often deceased.

observance

A shorter, more general term for a formal act of recognition.

tribute event

Suggests an event organized to pay respect and admiration.

dedication ceremony

Implies a ceremony specifically for dedicating a memorial or monument.

FAQs

How is "commemoration" typically used in a sentence?

"Commemoration" is often used to describe a formal event or ceremony held to honor or remember a significant person or event. For example, "The annual "Remembrance Day" is a "commemoration" of the sacrifices made by armed forces members."

What words can I use instead of "commemoration"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "remembrance", "memorial", "observance", or "ceremony".

What is the difference between "commemoration" and "celebration"?

"Commemoration" implies a more solemn and respectful remembrance of a significant event or person, often with a focus on honoring their memory or sacrifices. A "celebration", on the other hand, is generally a joyful and festive occasion.

Is it appropriate to use "commemoration" for a happy occasion?

While "commemoration" is typically reserved for remembering significant or historical events, often with a solemn tone, it is less suited for joyous or celebratory occasions. In those cases, words like "celebration" or "festivity" are more appropriate.