B2noun2K

Monument

UK /["/ˈmɒnjumənt/"]/US /["/ˈmɑːnjumənt/"]/

Definition

a building, column, statue, etc. built to remind people of a famous person or event

In simple words: A large structure built to remember a person or event.

Examples

  • The Lincoln Memorial is a famous monument in Washington, D.C.
  • The ancient city ruins served as a monument to a once-thriving civilization.
  • She visited the war monument to pay her respects to fallen soldiers.
  • The new monument was erected to honor the victims of the disaster.
  • That towering statue is considered a monument of modern art.
  • The lasting impact he had on the company became a monument of his career.

Usage notes

Used for significant buildings or structures. Commonly found in historical contexts. Not typically used for small or modern structures.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'mono' meaning one — a single important place to remember something.

Collocations

  • ancient
  • historic
  • historical
  • stand as
  • commission
  • build
  • be
  • stand
  • as a monument
  • monument of
  • monument to
  • ancient
  • historic
  • historical
  • stand as
  • commission
  • build
  • be
  • stand
  • as a monument
  • monument of
  • monument to

Synonyms

  • memorial
  • shrine
  • statue
  • edifice
  • landmark

Antonyms

  • disrepair
  • ruin

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'memorial', which refers more specifically to remembering people.
  • Using 'monument' for temporary structures, which is incorrect.
  • Mispronouncing or misspelling it as 'monumant'.