‘追悼’ is a formal verb meaning ‘to hold a memorial service’ or ‘to mourn and commemorate someone who has passed away.’ The first character 追 (zhuī) means ‘to pursue’ or ‘to recall,’ and here it conveys the sense of ‘looking back’ — reflecting on the deceased’s life and legacy. The second character 悼 (dào) means ‘to grieve’ or ‘to lament,’ carrying deep emotional weight and solemnity. Together, 追悼 emphasizes both respectful remembrance and heartfelt sorrow.

This term is used almost exclusively in formal, dignified contexts — such as official ceremonies, funerals of public figures, or written obituaries. It is not used for casual expressions of grief or everyday mourning; for that, words like 哀悼 (āidào) or 悼念 (dàoniàn) are more common. 追悼 often appears in phrases like 追悼会 (zhuīdào huì, ‘memorial service’) and carries a strong connotation of collective, respectful commemoration rather than private sorrow.