Wordxplr

The meaning and origin of interesting English phrases

A memorable occasion

Meaning

An event or time that is especially significant and worth remembering for its positive impact or uniqueness.

Origin

From the dawn of human language, we've yearned to mark moments that shimmered brighter than the rest. The ancient Romans, ever practical, gave us 'memorable,' born from memorabilis, meaning 'worthy of being remembered.' And 'occasion' arrived from occasio, describing not just a random event, but a timely, sometimes even opportune, happening. When these two powerful ideas finally intertwined in English vernacular, as early as the 17th century, they forged 'a memorable occasion.' It became the perfect descriptor for those rare, glittering moments in life that demand to be etched into our personal histories—a wedding, a triumph, a profound encounter—standing apart from the humdrum flow of daily existence, forever spotlighted in our minds.

Examples

  • Our wedding day was a truly memorable occasion, filled with laughter, tears of joy, and all our loved ones.
  • Winning the national championship was a memorable occasion for the entire team, a culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
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