memorialize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "memorialize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of preserving the memory of someone or something, often through a commemorative action or creation. Example: "The community came together to memorialize the contributions of the local hero with a statue in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are people linked only by memory, and the writing opens out magnificently to incorporate and memorialize that memory: Dan was a year younger than Constance, fifteen months.

The New Yorker

It is easy enough to imagine that for exiled, haunted Jews still living under Roman rule, the "land of Israel" was still a formative place, kept in the collective memory — and initiating yearly Seders helped to memorialize it.

The New Yorker

"The rockets' red glare" has continued to memorialize Congreve's rockets ever since.

Encyclopedia Britannica

First awarded in 1903 from the estate of French literary figure Edmond Goncourt, to memorialize him and his brother, Jules.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Like the Aeneid, by the Roman poet Virgil, Livy's work served to memorialize Rome's early history just as the republic was being transformed into an empire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Again, to memorialize a message, he sired a son on the "prophetess" (his wife) and saddled the child with his message as a name: Maher-shalal-hash-baz ("Speed-spoil-hasten-plunder"), referring to the imminent spoliations by the Assyrians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Beginning in the 1960s, survivors outside of Europe and Israel also took steps to memorialize the victims of the Holocaust.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the 1990s, at the approach of the 50-year anniversary of the end of the Holocaust, there was renewed interest in establishing institutions to memorialize, research, and educate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fleming had enlisted in the Confederate army in his youth, and some historians see his choice of the cross as an attempt to memorialize the confederacy.

Independent

Worse, a satirical emphasis on the casino's kitschy décor had the unfortunate effect of seeming to memorialize the disaster's victims chiefly for their bad taste.

The New Yorker

His paintings memorialize, rather than fulfill, his effort in making them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "memorialize", consider the specific context. It's best used when referring to formal acts of remembrance or commemoration, such as building a monument or creating a scholarship.

Common error

Avoid using "memorialize" in casual conversation. It sounds overly formal and may be better replaced with a simpler term like "remember" or "honor" depending on what you are trying to communicate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "memorialize" is as a transitive verb. It signifies the act of creating a lasting remembrance of someone or something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it involves a direct object that receives the action of being remembered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "memorialize" is a transitive verb used to describe the act of creating a lasting memory of someone or something, often through formal actions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, especially News & Media and Encyclopedias. When choosing this word, consider the level of formality required and whether a simpler term like "remember" or "honor" might be more suitable. Remember that "memorialize" is often applied when something must be preserved for the long term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commemorate

Focuses specifically on honoring an event or person through ceremony or observance.

immortalize

Implies making someone or something remembered forever, often through artistic creation.

enshrine

Suggests holding something sacred or in high regard, often in a physical form.

pay tribute to

Involves showing respect and admiration, often publicly.

honor the memory of

Directly focuses on respecting and remembering someone who has passed away.

perpetuate the memory of

Emphasizes making sure the memory continues to exist in the future.

record for posterity

Highlights the act of documenting something for future generations.

bear witness to

Emphasizes the act of acknowledging and remembering an event or person.

celebrate the life of

Focuses on the positive aspects and achievements of someone's life.

keep alive the memory of

Underscores the effort to actively maintain someone's memory.

FAQs

How can I use "memorialize" in a sentence?

You can use "memorialize" to describe actions taken to preserve the memory of a person or event. For example, "The city decided to "memorialize" the victims with a statue".

What words can I use instead of "memorialize"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "commemorate", "honor", or "immortalize" as alternatives to "memorialize".

Is it correct to say "memorialize about" something?

No, the correct usage is simply "memorialize" something or someone. The preposition "about" is not needed and would be grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "memorialize" and "remember"?

"Remember" is a general term for keeping something in your mind. "Memorialize" is a more formal term that implies taking specific actions to preserve a memory for the long term, often through a public act or creation.