What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
commemorate
Example
Every year, we commemorate the anniversary of our country's independence. [commemorate: verb]
Example
The museum organized a special exhibition to commemorate the life and achievements of the famous artist. [commemorate: verb]
memorialize
Example
The statue was built to memorialize the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the war. [memorialize: verb]
Example
The book serves as a way to memorialize the author's experiences during her travels. [memorialize: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Commemorate is more commonly used than memorialize in everyday language. Commemorate is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while memorialize is less common and often used in more specific or formal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between commemorate and memorialize?
While both commemorate and memorialize can be used in formal contexts, memorialize is generally associated with a more solemn or reverential tone due to its connection with creating memorials or monuments.
