memento
Definitions
An object kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event; a souvenir
纪念品，纪念物
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedmemento is the Latin imperative 'remember!' — a command frozen whole into an English noun. So a memento isn't just any souvenir; etymologically it is an object that says 'don't forget.' A pebble from a beach, a ticket stub, a lock of hair — each one is a small 'remember!' you carry with you.
Root memor still carries 12 more wordsUsage Guide
Spelling trap: it is memento, NOT 'momento.' The misspelling comes from confusing it with 'moment,' but the word has nothing to do with moments — it comes from 'remember.' Plural can be mementos or mementoes; mementos is more common.
Example Sentences
- 1.
She kept the seashell as a memento of their trip to the coast.
- 2.
He gave each guest a small memento of the wedding.
- 3.
These photographs are precious mementos of my childhood.