VocabDictionary

relic

/หˆrษ›l.ษชk/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

An object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe museum houses a collection of ancient relics from the Roman Empire.โ€
  • โ€œThe old typewriter in the corner of the office is a relic of a bygone era.โ€
2.noun

A part of a deceased holy person's body or belongings kept as an object of reverence.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œPilgrims traveled from across the continent to see the saint's relic.โ€
  • โ€œThe cathedral claims to possess a sacred relic encased in gold.โ€
Share & Learn With Friends

Share โ€œrelicโ€ with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œrelicโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'relique', which comes from the Latin 'reliquiae' meaning 'remains' or 'that which is left behind', stemming from the verb 'relinquere' (to leave behind). Historically, it referred specifically to the physical remains of a saint or their personal effects kept for veneration.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'relic' as something that has been 're-licked' by timeโ€”an old object that has survived through many eras.

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œrelicโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œrelicโ€ in English?

In English, relic (noun) is defined as: โ€œAn object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œrelicโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œThe museum houses a collection of ancient relics from the Roman Empire.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œrelicโ€?

Common synonyms include:artifact,antiquity,vestige,heirloom,remnant

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œrelicโ€?

Derived from the Old French 'relique', which comes from the Latin 'reliquiae' meaning 'remains' or 'that which is left behind', stemming from the verb 'relinquere' (to leave behind). Historically, it referred specifically to the physical remains of a saint or their personal effects kept for veneration.