remembrance

noun

re·​mem·​brance ri-ˈmem-brən(t)s 

 also  -bə-rən(t)s

1

: the state of bearing in mind

2

a

: the ability to remember : memory

b

: the period over which one's memory extends

3

: an act of recalling to mind

4

: a memory of a person, thing, or event

5

a

: something that serves to keep in or bring to mind : reminder

b

: commemoration, memorial

c

: a greeting or gift recalling or expressing friendship or affection

Synonyms

• anamnesis
• memory
• recall
• recollection
• reminiscence

Choose the Right Synonym for remembrance

memory, remembrance, recollection, reminiscence mean the capacity for or the act of remembering, or the thing remembered.

memory applies both to the power of remembering and to what is remembered.

gifted with a remarkable memory

that incident was now just a distant memory

remembrance applies to the act of remembering or the fact of being remembered.

any remembrance of his deceased wife was painful

recollection adds an implication of consciously bringing back to mind often with some effort.

after a moment's recollection he produced the name

reminiscence suggests the recalling of usually pleasant incidents, experiences, or feelings from a remote past.

my grandmother's reminiscences of her Iowa girlhood

Examples of remembrance in a Sentence

a happy couple with many fond remembrances of when they were dating in college

she gave her boyfriend on the eve of his military service one of her lockets as a remembrance of their abiding affection

Recent Examples on the Web

United States flags are at half-staff across the country in remembrance of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at age 100. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 1 Jan. 2025

In part, that book is a memorial to a way of life now gone, and in remembrance of his brother, Edmund, who died in 2020. —Brian Gioiele, Connecticut Post, 30 Dec. 2024

There will be a National Day of Mourning on January 9th and markets will be closed in remembrance of President Carter. tastytrade, Inc. commentary for educational purposes only. —Jj Kinahan, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

Flags can also be at half-staff for Memorial Day or other national days of remembrance, according to Usa.gov. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

remembrance

noun

re·​mem·​brance ri-ˈmem-brən(t)s 

1

: the act of remembering

2

: something remembered

3

a

: something (as a souvenir) that serves to keep in or bring to mind : reminder

b

: something (as a greeting or gift) recalling or expressing friendship