souvenir
UK: ˌsuːvəˈnɪə(r) | US: ˌsuːvəˈnɪr
n. an object kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event
n. (archaic) a memory or recollection
souvenir = sou<under> + ven<come> + ir<verb suffix>
- sou<under>: From Old French sou- (variant of sub-), meaning "under" or "from below."
- ven<come>: From Latin venire, meaning "to come."
- ir<verb suffix>: A French infinitive verb ending, indicating action.
Etymology Origin:
The word souvenir originates from Old French souvenir, meaning "to remember" or "come to mind," derived from Latin subvenire ("to come up from beneath"). Over time, it shifted from referring to the act of remembering (memory) to the physical object that triggers memory (keepsake). The logic reflects how memories "rise to the surface" (sub- + venire) and later became associated with tangible mementos.
She bought a small Eiffel Tower statue as a souvenir from Paris.
The photo album served as a souvenir of their travels.
He kept the concert ticket as a souvenir of that unforgettable night.
The old letters were her only souvenirs of childhood.
The museum shop sells souvenirs related to the exhibition.