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Mementos Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mementos

[mษ™หˆmษ›ntoสŠz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

keepsake

Objects kept as reminders of a person, place, or event; souvenirs.

Synonyms

keepsake, reminder, souvenir.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
keepsake

Keepsake is commonly used to describe a small item that is kept in memory of someone or something, often with a strong emotional connection.

  • The necklace was a precious keepsake from her mother.
  • He gave her a locket as a keepsake of their time together.
souvenir

Souvenir is used to describe an item bought or received during a trip or visit to serve as a memory of the experience. It is often commercial and doesn't necessarily have a deep personal connection.

  • She brought back a keychain as a souvenir from her trip to Paris.
  • They bought souvenirs for their friends from the museum gift shop.
reminder

Reminder refers to something that causes one to remember something or someone but does not necessarily have a personal or sentimental value. It can also refer to a note or prompt that helps one recall something.

  • The alarm on her phone was a daily reminder to take her medication.
  • The photo on the wall was a constant reminder of their happy times.

Examples of usage

  • She kept all the mementos from her travels in a special box.
  • The locket she wore was a memento of her grandmother.
Context #2 | Noun

memory

Something that serves to remind or bring to mind a past event or person.

Synonyms

memory jogger, reminder, reminiscence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mementos

Typically used to refer to objects kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event with sentimental value.

  • She kept a box of mementos from her travels.
  • The photos served as mementos of their adventures together.
reminder

Commonly used to refer to something that makes you remember something else, often used in both personal and professional contexts.

  • She set a reminder on her phone so she wouldn't forget the meeting.
  • The scars were a constant reminder of the accident.
memory jogger

Used in casual conversations to describe something that helps one to remember something they had forgotten.

  • That old song was a real memory jogger for him.
  • She kept a diary as a memory jogger for her future self.
reminiscence

Usually used to describe the act of remembering past experiences, often with a positive, nostalgic tone.

  • The family gathering was full of reminiscences about childhood.
  • He slipped into a reminiscence about his college days.

Examples of usage

  • The old photo was a memento of their childhood together.
  • The smell of the ocean was a memento of summer vacations.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, mementos are often associated with rites of passage, like weddings or graduations.
  • In Japan, a 'memento mori' is a reminder of mortality, often symbolized in art and decoration.
  • Some Indigenous cultures create mementos that reflect their heritage, connecting generations through objects.

Psychology

  • Keeping mementos can boost emotional well-being by reinforcing positive memories and connections.
  • Studies show that tangible reminders can help alleviate feelings of loss and provide comfort during tough times.
  • Mementos can serve as a tool for reminiscence therapy, helping those with memory impairments to recall significant life events.

Literature

  • In literature, mementos often symbolize memory and nostalgia, playing crucial roles in character development.
  • Famous novels like 'The Great Gatsby' use mementos to explore themes of the past and the longing for bygone times.
  • Many poets have written about the fleeting nature of memories, with objects serving as anchors to those experiences.

Art

  • Artists often use mementos in their works to comment on memory and the passage of time.
  • In mixed media art, found objects serve as mementos, allowing artists to explore personal histories and narratives.
  • The practice of creating memory boxes, filled with personal mementos, encourages artistic expression and thoughtful reflection.

Origin of 'mementos'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'memento' comes from the Latin word 'mementล,' which means 'remember.'
  • In Latin, it is derived from the verb 'meminisse,' which also means 'to remember' or 'to recall.'
  • 'Memento' first appeared in English in the 16th century, often used in literature and art.

The word 'memento' originated from the Latin word 'mementล' meaning 'remember'. In the 1700s, it evolved in English to refer to objects kept as reminders of past events or people. 'Mementos' have been used throughout history to preserve memories and commemorate important moments in people's lives.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,166, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.