commemorativeEtymologyFirst attested in 1612; borrowed from New Latin commemorātīvus, from commemorō. By surface analysis, commemorate + -ive, cognate with French commémoratif.commemorative means serving to commemorate something. Lexicurio rates it Distinctive — a strength score of 65 out of 100.adjServing to commemorate something.“a commemorative plaque”nounAn object made to commemorate a person, mark an event, etc.A postage stamp issued to commemorate, usually a person or event; also commonly applied to thematic (topical) stamp issues.“beautiful Pictorials, topicals, commemoratives, airmails. Introductory selection 40% discount. Ralph Rice, 15 Longlane, West Hartford 7, Conn.”