souvenir

/ˌsuː.vəˈnɪər/ French Origin Culture

Original Word

souvenir

French

Entered English

18th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "souvenir"

From French 'souvenir', meaning 'to remember', from Latin 'subvenire' (to come to mind). Originally a psychological term for memory. Now refers to a keepsake or memento from travels.

Example Usage

"I bought a small Eiffel Tower as a souvenir from our trip to Paris."

All French Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

More French Loanwords

fiancé — fiancé Culture · 19th century bouquet — bouquet Culture · 18th century faux pas — faux pas Culture · 17th century rendezvous — rendez-vous Culture · 16th century déjà vu — déjà-vu Psychology · Early 20th century entrepreneur — entrepreneur Business · 19th century café — café Food & Drink · 19th century restaurant — restaurant Food & Drink · 19th century