Memento Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/məˈmɛntoʊ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A keepsake or souvenir, especially one that serves as a reminder of a person, place, or event.

Examples

• The old photograph was a memento of her grandmother’s visit.
• The coin was a memento from his trip to Europe.

Synonyms

• Keepsake
• Souvenir
• Token

Antonyms

• Nothing
• Forgetfulness

Additional Information

Mementos are often kept as a way to remember a special event, person, or time in one’s life. They can take many forms, including photographs, coins, jewelry, or other small items. Some people keep mementos in a special box or album, while others display them prominently in their home. Mementos can also serve as a way to pass down memories and stories from one generation to the next.

Mementos can also be used to commemorate a significant event or milestone, such as a wedding, graduation, or anniversary. They can be given as gifts to mark the occasion or kept as a personal reminder of the event.

Etymology

The word “memento” comes from the Latin “memento,” meaning “remember” or “be mindful of.”

Usage Notes

Mementos are often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or sentimentality. They can be used in a variety of contexts, including personal, social, and cultural.

Cultural References

The concept of mementos has been featured in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. Examples include the movie “Memento” (2000) and the song “Memento Mori” by the band Flobots.

Related Words or Phrases

• Token
• Heirloom
• Reminder

Collocations

• memento of
• memento from
• memento for

Frequency of Use

The word “memento” is moderately frequent in modern language, often used in informal and formal contexts.

• mementto
• mementoe
• mementi