unmemorial
|un-me-mo-ri-al|
/ˌʌn.məˈmɔːr.i.əl/
not commemorative
Etymology
'unmemorial' originates from a combination of the Old English prefix 'un-' (from Proto-Germanic *un-) meaning 'not' and the adjective 'memorial', ultimately from Latin 'memorialis', where 'memor' meant 'mindful, remembering'.
'memorial' entered English via Late Latin 'memorialis' and Old French 'memorial'; in Modern English the productive negative prefix 'un-' was attached to form 'unmemorial' to indicate the absence of a memorial quality.
Originally related to 'memor' (being mindful or remembering), the element 'memorial' came to mean 'serving as a commemoration'; 'unmemorial' therefore evolved to mean 'not commemorative' or 'lacking memorial character'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not intended as, or not serving as, a memorial; not commemorative.
The ceremony was deliberately unmemorial, with no plaques, speeches, or public tributes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
lacking memorial significance or the qualities typically associated with a memorial (solemnity, remembrance).
The site's history is unmemorial to most visitors; there are no markers to explain its past.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/16 07:19