Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – "Commemorate"

Episode Details:

• Title: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
• Host: Peter Sokolowski
• Episode: Commemorate
• Release Date: May 26, 2025

Introduction to "Commemorate"

In the May 26, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day podcast, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the rich meaning and usage of the word "commemorate". The episode provides listeners with an in-depth exploration of the term, its applications, historical context, and related vocabulary.

Definition and Spelling

Peter Sokolowski begins by clearly defining the word:

"Today's word is commemorate, spelled C-O-M-M-E-M-O-R-A-T-E."
(00:41)

He identifies "commemorate" as a verb, explaining that it refers to actions taken to serve as a memorial or to recall an event or person. This can include the creation of plaques, statues, parades, or other forms of remembrance.

Practical Applications and Examples

To illustrate the usage of "commemorate," Sokolowski shares tangible examples:

1. Vietnamese Community in New Orleans:

   "Members of the Vietnamese community have hosted a series of 50 events to commemorate the 50 years since they arrived in New Orleans. They have ranged from cooking classes and festivals to art shows and panel discussions."
   (00:55)

   This example highlights how communities use various activities to honor and remember significant milestones.

2. Pho Tin Reunion:

   "Last week, more than 500 Vietnamese Americans from across the United States gathered for the 50th reunion of former residents of the fishing region Pho Tin, located in Vietnam."
   (01:15)

   Here, a large-scale reunion serves as a formal commemoration of heritage and shared history.

Understanding "Commemorate" vs. "Remember"

Sokolowski differentiates between "commemorate" and "remember" to provide clarity on their distinct usages:

"When you remember something, you are mindful of it. And you are especially mindful when you commemorate something by formalizing your remembrance by doing something special, such as attending a parade or taking part in a ceremony."
(01:35)

This distinction emphasizes that while all acts of commemoration involve remembering, not all memories are commemorated with formal actions.

Etymology and Related Terms

Delving into the origins of "commemorate," Sokolowski traces the word back to its Latin roots:

"It's appropriate, therefore, that the word commemorate and other related memory-associated words, including memorable, memorial, remember, and memory itself, come from the Latin root 'memor,' meaning mindful."
(01:55)

He underscores the connection between "commemorate" and other memory-related terms, highlighting their shared heritage and nuanced meanings.

Historical Usage

Sokolowski provides a brief historical perspective on the use of "commemorate":

"English speakers have been marking the memory of important events with 'commemorate' since the late 1500s."
(02:10)

This historical context showcases the long-standing tradition of using "commemorate" to honor significant events and figures.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Peter Sokolowski reinforces the significance of understanding and using "commemorate" appropriately:

"With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski."
(02:20)

Listeners are encouraged to incorporate the word into their vocabulary to articulate acts of remembrance and honor effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Commemorate is a verb meaning to honor or recall an event or person through a memorial or special activity.
• It involves formal actions that go beyond mere remembrance, such as events, ceremonies, or monuments.
• The word has deep Latin roots and has been in use since the late 1500s.
• Understanding the distinction between "commemorate" and "remember" enhances communicative precision.

For more enriching word explorations, visit Merriam-Webster.com.