Memento: meaning, definitions and examples

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memento

 

[ mษ™หˆmษ›ntoสŠ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

memory aid

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

Synonyms

keepsake, reminder, souvenir.

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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?

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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.

Translations

Translations of the word "memento" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น lembranรงa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเคฎเฅƒเคคเคฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Erinnerung

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kenangan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะฟะพะณะฐะด

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ pamiฤ…tka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่จ˜ๅฟตๅ“ (kinenhin)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท souvenir

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ recuerdo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท anฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ธฐ๋…ํ’ˆ (ginyeom-pum)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุฐูƒุงุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pamรกtka

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ pamรคtnรญk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็บชๅฟตๅ“ (jรฌniร npวn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ spomin

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ minning

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะตัั‚ะตะปั–ะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒฎแƒกแƒแƒ•แƒ แƒแƒ‘แƒ (makhsovroba)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ xatirษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ recuerdo

Etymology

The word 'memento' comes from the Latin word 'mementล' which means 'remember'. It was first used in English in the late 15th century. Originally, 'memento' referred to an object that serves to remind the owner of a person or event, often carried or kept as a souvenir. Over time, the word has also come to be used in the context of films or other media that serve as reminders of important events or themes.

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.