Souvenirs: meaning, definitions and examples

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souvenirs

 

[ ˈsuːvəˌnɪrz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

gift shop

Souvenirs are items that are purchased as a reminder of a place visited or an event attended. They are often small, inexpensive, and have the name or logo of the place or event on them. Souvenirs can include items such as keychains, postcards, magnets, and mugs.

Synonyms

keepsake, memento, token.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
souvenirs

Typically refers to items bought during travel or vacation to remember the trip.

  • I brought back some souvenirs from my trip to Paris, like an Eiffel Tower keychain and a postcard.
keepsake

Often used for small items that have sentimental value and are kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event.

  • The locket was given to me by my grandmother and it's a precious keepsake.
memento

Refers to an object that serves as a reminder of the past, often with a more formal or significant connotation.

  • He kept the old theater ticket as a memento of their first date.
token

Usually denotes a small item given as a gesture of love, appreciation, or remembrance, with a slightly broader application beyond travel souvenirs.

  • As a token of my appreciation, I wanted to give you this book.

Examples of usage

  • She bought a souvenir keychain from the Eiffel Tower.
  • He collects souvenirs from every country he visits.
  • The gift shop had a wide selection of souvenirs to choose from.
Context #2 | Noun

memory

Souvenirs can also refer to memories or experiences that are kept as a reminder of the past. These souvenirs can be intangible, such as a song that reminds you of a special time, or a photograph that brings back memories of a vacation.

Synonyms

memory, recollection, remembrance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
souvenirs

Objects that people collect to remember a place they visited or an event they attended. Often physical items such as keychains, postcards, or magnets.

  • She brought back souvenirs from her trip to Paris
  • The gift shop had various souvenirs for tourists
memory

The mental capacity to store and recall information, events, and experiences. Used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • She has a vivid memory of her childhood home
  • His memory of the event is not very clear
remembrance

A formal and often nostalgic way of referring to the act of remembering someone or something, particularly in a respectful or ceremonial context.

  • The ceremony was held in remembrance of the soldiers who died
  • She wore a poppy in remembrance of her grandfather
recollection

The act of remembering something, often used when trying to bring something back to mind actively or consciously.

  • To the best of my recollection, we met in 2001
  • His recollection of the meeting differs from mine

Examples of usage

  • The smell of fresh bread is a souvenir of her childhood.
  • The old house was a souvenir of a bygone era.
  • His laughter was the best souvenir from that trip.

Translations

Translations of the word "souvenirs" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lembranças

🇮🇳 स्मृति चिन्ह

🇩🇪 Souvenirs

🇮🇩 cendera mata

🇺🇦 сувеніри

🇵🇱 pamiątki

🇯🇵 お土産 (おみやげ)

🇫🇷 souvenirs

🇪🇸 souvenirs

🇹🇷 hatıra eşyaları

🇰🇷 기념품 (ginyeom-pum)

🇸🇦 هدايا تذكارية

🇨🇿 suvenýry

🇸🇰 suveníry

🇨🇳 纪念品 (jìniànpǐn)

🇸🇮 spominki

🇮🇸 minjagripir

🇰🇿 сувенирлер

🇬🇪 სუვენირები

🇦🇿 suvenirlər

🇲🇽 souvenirs

Etymology

The word 'souvenir' originated in French, where it means 'memory' or 'keepsake'. It entered the English language in the early 18th century, primarily used to refer to items collected or purchased during travels. Over time, the meaning expanded to include intangible memories and experiences. Souvenirs play a significant role in preserving memories and creating connections to places and events.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,024, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.