Memento: meaning, definitions and examples

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memento

[məˈmɛntoʊ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

memory aid

Something kept as a reminder of a person, event, or place; a souvenir.

Synonyms

keepsake, reminder, souvenir.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
memento	A memento is typically an object that is kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event. It often carries sentimental value. She kept the old letter as a memento of her grandmother
souvenir	A souvenir is an item purchased or brought back from a place you have visited. It is often used in the context of travel and tourism. She bought a miniature Eiffel Tower as a souvenir from her trip to Paris
keepsake	A keepsake is a small object one keeps to remember a person or event. It often has personal significance. She treasures the bracelet as a keepsake from her childhood
reminder	A reminder can be anything that helps someone remember something. It doesn't necessarily have to be a physical object and can be negative if it serves an unwelcomed purpose. The scar on his arm is a reminder of the accident

Examples of usage

He kept the ticket stub as a memento of the concert.
The locket was a memento of her grandmother.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

film

A movie or other piece of writing that is intended to remind people of something important.

Synonyms

commemoration, memorial, reminder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
memento	A small object kept as a reminder of a person or event. Typically personal and sentimental in nature. She kept the old ticket stub as a memento of their first date. The seashell was a memento from their trip to the beach.
reminder	An object or action that prompts someone to remember something. Usually practical and not necessarily sentimental. She set an alarm on her phone as a reminder to attend the meeting. The post-it note served as a reminder to buy groceries.
memorial	A structure, statue, or other permanent object established to remember and honor a person or event. Often found in public places. They built a memorial to honor those who died in the disaster. The war memorial is visited by thousands every year.
commemoration	An event or ceremony to honor or remember a significant event or person. Often formal and public. The city held a commemoration for the soldiers who fought in the war. A special plaque was unveiled in commemoration of the founder's achievements.

Examples of usage

The film serves as a memento of the war.
The book is a memento of the author's childhood.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

'Memento' comes from the Latin word 'memento', meaning 'remember'.
The term gained prominence during the Renaissance as a way to refer to keepsakes or reminders.
It is often paired with phrases like 'memento mori' which means 'remember you must die', reminding people of mortality.

Culture

In many cultures, mementos are used to remember loved ones who have passed away, often displayed in homes or carried with them.
Souvenirs from travels are considered mementos, reminding people of experiences and adventures.
Weddings and other significant events often include mementos, like invitations or photographs, to cherish memories.

Art and Literature

The concept of keepsakes appears prominently in literature, symbolizing nostalgia and emotional connections.
In film, like 'Memento' directed by Christopher Nolan, the idea of memory and identity is central to the plot.
Artists sometimes create works that act as mementos, capturing moments in time that evoke emotional responses.

Psychology

Studies show that physical objects can enhance memory recall, making mementos powerful tools for remembering past events.
Emotional connections to objects often lead to stronger memories, as sentiments tied to them create lasting impressions.
The act of giving or receiving a memento can strengthen relationships by creating shared memories.

History

Historical artifacts, like coins or letters, often serve as mementos of significant events or figures.
During wars, soldiers kept mementos from home to maintain connections to their loved ones.
Many museums showcase mementos from different eras, helping people understand cultural history and personal stories.

Translations

Translations of the word "memento" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lembrança

🇮🇳 स्मृति

🇩🇪 Erinnerung

🇮🇩 kenangan

🇺🇦 спогад

🇵🇱 pamiątka

🇯🇵 記念品 (kinenhin)

🇫🇷 souvenir

🇪🇸 recuerdo

🇹🇷 anı

🇰🇷 기념품 (ginyeom-pum)

🇸🇦 تذكار

🇨🇿 památka

🇸🇰 pamätník

🇨🇳 纪念品 (jìniànpǐn)

🇸🇮 spomin

🇮🇸 minning

🇰🇿 естелік

🇬🇪 მახსოვრობა (makhsovroba)

🇦🇿 xatirə

🇲🇽 recuerdo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,675, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
24672 posturing
24673 prototyping
24674 starkly
24675 memento
24676 invulnerable
24677 hermitage
24678 upstart
...