Memorial
/məˈmɔːriəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn object, structure, or event that is created to remind people of a person or thing.
/məˈmɔːriəl/
A structure or object built or established to remind people of a person or event.
The war memorial stands proudly in the town square.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a special statue, building, or ceremony that helps us remember important people or events, like the fallen soldiers or a historical event. It's like a big 'remember this!' sign.
👶 For kids: Something that helps us remember someone or something special, like a statue in the park.
More Examples
They visited the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
The family erected a memorial to their beloved dog.
How It's Used
"The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. is a poignant tribute."
"The city unveiled a memorial to commemorate the victims of the flood."
Intended to help people remember a person or an event.
/məˈmɔːriəl/
Serving as a reminder of someone or something, especially a person or event.
The school held a memorial service for the student.
💡 Simply: Something that helps us remember a special person or event. Like, a memorial service is meant to help us remember someone who has passed away.
👶 For kids: Something that helps us remember someone or something important.
More Examples
The family created a memorial garden in her honor.
He wrote a memorial poem for his best friend.
How It's Used
"We held a memorial service for the former president."
"The painting was a memorial portrait of the artist's late wife."
Idioms & expressions
memorial service
A service held to remember and honor someone who has died.
"The family will hold a memorial service next week."
in memoriam
In memory of.
"The scholarship was established in memoriam of the professor."
From Latin *memorialis* 'of memory', from *memoria* 'memory'. It entered English in the 14th century.
The word 'memorial' has been used for centuries to describe objects or events that serve as reminders, evolving from its early association with memory to encompass tributes and commemorations.
Memory tip
Imagine a monument that helps you remember something significant.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: memoria