monument

Definitions

mon (remind) + -ment (thing, result) = 'a thing that reminds.' A monument exists for memory, not use — a statue, tomb or arch raised so people will remember a person or event. Figuratively, any lasting work can be 'a monument to' someone's effort.

Why It Means This

The whole point of a monument is hidden in its root: monēre, 'to remind.' We don't build monuments to be useful — we build them so future generations won't forget. That's why the word stretches easily from physical structures (the Washington Monument) to abstract ones: a great book can be 'a monument to human curiosity.' It's always something raised up to keep a memory alive.

Common Collocations

• 1.historic monument历史遗迹
• 2.national monument国家纪念碑
• 3.war monument战争纪念碑
• 4.ancient monument古代遗迹

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The monument honors the soldiers who died in the war.

• 2.

  Tourists gathered to photograph the ancient monument.

• 3.

  Her research stands as a monument to decades of patient work.