Remembrance vs. Rememberance – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is remembrance. The word “rememberance” with an extra ‘a’ is a common misspelling and does not exist in standard English. Always use “remembrance” when referring to the act of recalling or commemorating.
Remembrance or Rememberance – Which is Correct?
The correct word is “remembrance.” The spelling “rememberance” is a widespread error, often occurring due to phonetic confusion or a simple typo. The root verb is “remember,” and when forming the noun, the ‘a’ before the ‘-ance’ suffix is not present.
While focusing on the noun ‘remembrance,’ it’s also useful to understand the subtle differences between Recall vs. Remember in their verb forms.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the correct spelling, think of the core verb “remember.” There is no ‘a’ after the ‘r’ in “remember,” and similarly, there is no ‘a’ after the ‘r’ in “remembrance.” You simply add the suffix ‘-ance’ to form the noun, without altering the preceding letters. Another trick is to associate “remembrance” with “memory” – both are correct and don’t have the extra ‘a’.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remembrance | Noun | The act of remembering or recalling; a memorial or commemoration; a souvenir. | The annual ceremony is a day of remembrance for fallen soldiers. |
| Rememberance | Incorrect | A common misspelling of “remembrance.” | (This spelling should be avoided.) |
How to Use Remembrance
The noun “remembrance” refers to the act of remembering, the state of being remembered, or something that serves as a memorial or souvenir. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it often carries a slightly more solemn or thoughtful tone when referring to memorials or the act of recalling past events or people.
Example 1: The family gathered for a quiet moment of remembrance for their grandmother.
Example 2: She keeps a small photo album as a tangible remembrance of her trip to Paris.
Example 3: The city council organized a public event in remembrance of the historical flood.
What are the different forms of Remembrance?
“Remembrance” is a noun. Its primary form is singular, but it can be pluralized to “remembrances” when referring to multiple acts of remembering, multiple memorials, or multiple souvenirs.
- Singular: remembrance (e.g., “a remembrance of the past”)
- Plural: remembrances (e.g., “fond remembrances of childhood”)
Etymology of the word Remembrance
The word “remembrance” comes from the Old French remembrer (to remember) and its noun form remembrance. It entered English in the late 13th century. The root is ultimately from the Latin re- (again) and memorari (to be mindful of, remember), which itself comes from memor (mindful).
Related Concepts
Understanding related linguistic concepts can help reinforce why “remembrance” is the correct spelling and “rememberance” is not.
- Suffixes: The suffix ‘-ance’ is common in English to form nouns from verbs (e.g., perform → performance, endure → endurance). In “remembrance,” it attaches directly to “remember” without an intervening ‘a’.
- Common Misspellings: “Rememberance” is a classic example of a common misspelling, often arising from phonetic confusion. English spelling isn’t always perfectly phonetic, leading to errors like this where an extra vowel is mistakenly inserted.
- Nouns of Action/State: “Remembrance” is a noun that denotes an action (the act of remembering) or a state (the state of being remembered), similar to “performance” or “guidance.”
Examples from Media and Literature
- “In remembrance of their enduring love, a bench was placed in the garden.” (Fictional Novel, 2026)
- “The monument stands as a poignant remembrance of those who served.” (News Report, June 2026)
- “He carried a small, worn token, a silent remembrance of his lost friend.” (Poetry Collection, 2025)
- “The museum dedicated an entire wing in remembrance of the city’s founders.” (Documentary Script, 2024)
- “Her eyes held a distant remembrance of happier days.” (Literary Fiction, 2023)
Remembrance Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Memory | The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information; something remembered. |
| Recall | The act of remembering an event or fact. |
| Commemoration | A ceremony or celebration in which a person or event is remembered. |
| Memorial | Something, especially a monument or statue, established to remind people of a person or event. |
| Memento | An object kept as a reminder or souvenir of a person or event. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why is “rememberance” a common misspelling?
“Rememberance” is a common misspelling primarily due to phonetic interference. The ‘a’ sound in the middle of words can sometimes lead people to incorrectly insert an ‘a’ where it doesn’t belong, especially before the ‘-ance’ suffix, even though the root verb “remember” does not have it.
Question 2: Can “remembrance” be used to refer to a physical object?
Yes, “remembrance” can refer to a physical object, such as a souvenir, token, or memorial, that serves to remind one of a person, place, or event. For example, “She kept the seashell as a remembrance of her beach vacation.”
Question 3: What’s the difference between “remembrance” and “memory”?
While often used interchangeably, “remembrance” often implies a more active or conscious act of recalling or commemorating, especially of past events or people. “Memory” can refer to the faculty of remembering, a specific recalled event, or the storage of information in the mind. “Remembrance” can also specifically denote a memorial or a keepsake, whereas “memory” typically does not.
Conclusion
In the choice between “remembrance” and “rememberance,” the correct and only accepted spelling is remembrance. The extra ‘a’ in “rememberance” is a pervasive misspelling that should be avoided in all forms of writing. By remembering its connection to the verb “remember,” you can consistently use the correct form. Pro Tip: Accurate spelling, especially with commonly confused words, reinforces your credibility and professionalism in any written communication.
