commemorative

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "commemorative" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that typically describes objects such as coins, stamps, plaques, or monuments that are created to remember a special event or person. For example, "The city held a special ceremony to unveil the new commemorative statue honoring the town's founding father."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I showed her a new commemorative coin, and said approvingly at the head on the coin: "Ooh, she looks just like Rita Hayworth!" Leader of the Liberal Democrats, 1988-1999 I didn't like her politics.

The Guardian

Burrowes says giveaways such as Disney characters or commemorative coins were referred to as the "crack cocaine" of the media industry in Britain.

The Guardian

Welby, delivering the sermon at the annual journalists commemorative service at St Bride's Church in London's Fleet Street, reflected on a year in which journalists faced an unprecedented threat from Islamic State (Isis) and the danger of reporting the Ebola outbreak from west Africa.

The Guardian

The Queen's absence from London during the VE Day anniversary weekend means that she will miss the main commemorative event, a service of remembrance at Westminster Abbey, which is due to be attended by the leaders of the main political parties.

The Guardian

Ultimately Harriet's search led her to found Memorials by Artists, an organisation to help other bereaved families commission unique pieces of commemorative art and navigate cemetery rules.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With all free tickets to the event snapped up, Modi fans, many clad in commemorative T-shirts bearing the prime minister's visage, overflowed into viewing areas outside the stadium, among them credit analyst Amrita Burman.

The Guardian

Break out the frying pan Britain and pour yourself a Gaviscon because, in this lavishly illustrated, commemorative, cut-out-and-keep special, How To Eat is tossing-up pancakes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Around the Imola site – where the paddock and pits will be open and people will be able to drive, cycle or walk around the track – there will be a commemorative ceremony, exhibitions and talks, and a presentation on safety in Formula One.

The Guardian - Sport

Rose Hunter, from North Staffordshire Miners' Support Group, recounts her experiences at a commemorative event in Bethnal Green: "Thatcher thought the women would get the men back to work.

The Guardian - Opinion

When the City of Carlisle opened a new power station in 1927, it even invoked Emile Zola in the foreword to a fancy commemorative brochure: "The time must come when electricity will be for everyone, like the waters of the earth and the winds of heaven.

The Guardian

But more than 100,000 turned up to see a lone Indigenous serviceman playing the yidaki at sunrise – a moment of acute commemorative (and televisual) sentiment and emotion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commemorative", ensure the object it describes (e.g., coin, stamp, plaque) directly relates to the event or person being honored. This strengthens the association and enhances the item's significance.

Common error

Avoid using "commemorative" for general celebrations that lack a specific historical or memorial focus. Stick to words like "celebratory" or "festive" when there isn't a direct link to a past event or individual being honored.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "commemorative" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that they serve as a memorial or reminder of a person, event, or idea. Ludwig confirms its adjectival usage, aligning with examples found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commemorative" functions as an adjective denoting remembrance or honor, as confirmed by Ludwig. With very common usage across News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, it effectively designates items and events intended to preserve memories. To use it correctly, ensure a clear link between the described object and the event or person being honored, and avoid using it for general celebrations. Overall, "commemorative" is a grammatically sound and frequently utilized term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commemorating

This is the gerund or present participle form of the verb "commemorate", directly related but functioning as a verb rather than an adjective.

memorial

Focuses on creating a lasting memory or tribute to someone or something, often involving a physical structure or event.

remembrance

The act of remembering and showing respect for someone or something.

in remembrance

Emphasizes the act of remembering and honoring a person or event, often used in formal contexts.

celebratory

Highlights the joyous aspect of marking an event or occasion, focusing on festivities and positive emotions.

tribute

Suggests an act or gift intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration for someone or something.

dedicatory

Specifically related to the act of dedicating something in honor of a person or event.

in honor of

A phrase that indicates something is done to show respect and admiration for someone.

to mark the anniversary

Specifically indicates the marking of a yearly recurring date to remember an event.

in memory of

Focuses on preserving the memory of someone who has died.

FAQs

How is "commemorative" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "commemorative" is used as an adjective to describe an object or event that serves to remember a person or past event. For example, "a commemorative coin" or "a commemorative ceremony".

What are some alternatives to using "commemorative"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "memorial", "remembrance", or "celebratory".

Is there a difference between a "commemorative" event and a "celebratory" event?

Yes, a "commemorative" event focuses on remembering a specific person or past event, often with a sense of respect or solemnity. A "celebratory" event, on the other hand, focuses on joy and festivity without necessarily linking to a specific historical event.

What kind of objects are often described as "commemorative"?

Common objects described as "commemorative" include coins, stamps, plaques, statues, books, and artworks that are created to honor or remember someone or something.