memorial
gb/məmˈɔɹiəl/ us/məmˈɔɹiəl/
B1
English
~ 3700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Structure honoring a person or event
Something built to help people remember and honor a person or event.
Usage pattern:
a memorial to [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'memorial' with 'memory'; 'memory' refers to the mental ability or recollection, while 'memorial' is a physical object or event.
Synonyms
monument (Often larger or more formal; can also celebrate achievements, not only remembrance.)
Antonyms
demolition (The act of destroying a structure, opposite of creating a memorial.)
Collocations
war memorial
|memorial statue
|memorial plaque
|build a memorial
|unveil a memorial
Themes
history
|culture
|society
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The town built a memorial to honor the soldiers who died in the war.
- We visited the memorial dedicated to the victims of the earthquake.
- A bronze memorial was placed in front of the city hall.
- The memorial stands at the center of the park.
- They unveiled a new memorial for the community leader.
Learner examples
- The city made a memorial for the old mayor.
- We saw a war memorial in the park.
- This is a memorial to the fire fighters.
- They built a memorial near the school.
- The memorial is in front of the library.
Noun
B1
event
2
Event to remember someone dead
A meeting or service to remember and honor someone who has died.
Usage pattern:
hold a memorial for [someone]
Common mistake:
Some learners mistakenly use 'funeral' for any remembrance; funerals occur soon after death, while 'memorials' can happen long after.
Synonyms
commemoration (A formal remembrance, sometimes broader than just for deceased individuals.)
Antonyms
celebration (Focuses on joy and festivities rather than solemn remembrance.)
Collocations
memorial service
|hold a memorial
|attend a memorial
|memorial ceremony
Themes
culture
|ceremony
|emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The family held a memorial for their grandmother last Sunday.
- Hundreds attended the memorial service for the late actor.
- A memorial was organized in the park where he used to play music.
- Her friends arranged a small memorial in her honor.
- The memorial will take place at noon.
Learner examples
- We had a memorial for my uncle.
- They went to a memorial for their teacher.
- A big memorial was held in the church.
- Her friends made a memorial for her.
- The school had a memorial for him.
adjective
formal
B2
property
3
Related to remembrance or honor
About remembering and honoring someone or something.
Usage pattern:
memorial [noun]
Synonyms
commemorative (Often used for objects or events created as an official act of remembrance.)
Antonyms
forgetful (Describes lack of remembrance, opposite in concept.)
Collocations
memorial plaque
|memorial event
|memorial stone
Themes
culture
|history
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- A memorial plaque was placed on the wall of the old school.
- They held a memorial event on the anniversary of his death.
- The park has several memorial benches with inscriptions.
- She donated money for a memorial scholarship in his name.
- The museum displayed a memorial exhibit for the artist.
Learner examples
- We saw a memorial sign on the road.
- This is a memorial book about her life.
- They made a memorial video for him.
- He gave a speech at the memorial event.
- There is a memorial stone in the garden.
Grammar
Dictionary form
memorial
IPA
GB/məmˈɔɹiəl/
US/məmˈɔɹiəl/
Syllables & stress
me - mori - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (mori)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: memorial
Noun
- Base: memorial
- Plural: memorials
Word family
Forms
memorials
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
Expressions
living memorial
1/lˈɪvɪŋ məmˈɔɹiəl/
fixed phrase
Ongoing tribute through action or creation
Something like a garden, project, or charity that continues to honor someone's memory while being active or useful.
Examples
- The community center is a living memorial to its founder.
- They planted trees as a living memorial to the victims.
memorial service
1/məmˈɔɹiəl sˈɚvɪs/
fixed phrase
Ceremony for someone who died
A formal event to remember and honor someone who has died.
Examples
- The community gathered for a memorial service at the town hall.
- A memorial service was held one year after his passing.
war memorial
1/wˈɔɹ məmˈɔɹiəl/
fixed phrase
Structure honoring war dead
A building, statue, or other object made to honor people who died in war.
Examples
- We visited the war memorial during our trip to France.
- The war memorial lists all the names of local soldiers who were killed.