Souvenir Definition & How to Use It Correctly

Meaning 1：souvenir (Souvenir)

Souvenir 🔊

/ˌsuːvəˈnɪr/

A small thing you buy to remember a special place or event, like a trip.

souvenir 🔊

➕

/ˌsuːvəˈnɪr/

A small item purchased or kept as a reminder of a place, event, or experience.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From French 'souvenir' (to remember), derived from Latin 'subvenire' (come to mind).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'So you’ll remember the visit, keep a souvenir.' The word itself contains 'sou' (like 'soul') and 'venir' (come), so it comes to mind.

📖 Example

She collects a mug as a souvenir from every city she visits. 🔊 She collects a mug as a souvenir from every city she visits.

🔗 Collocations

souvenir shop – a store that sells souvenirs

souvenir mug – a mug bought as a memory of a place

buy a souvenir – to purchase a keepsake

🔄 Synonyms

keepsake (n.) – a small object kept in memory of a person or event

memento (n.) – an object kept as a reminder of a person or event

token (n.) – a small item given or kept as a symbol of affection or memory

🌱 Derivatives

souveniring (n.) – the act of collecting souvenirs

📖 Cultural Story

Souvenir entered English in the 18th century from French, where it means 'to remember'. It became widely used in the 19th century with the rise of tourism, often referring to small keepsakes bought at travel destinations.