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Relic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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relic

[ˈrɛlɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

historical artifact

A relic is an object or a piece of history that has survived from the past, often with cultural or historical significance. Relics can range from ancient artifacts to personal belongings of famous individuals. They are often preserved and displayed in museums or religious institutions.

Synonyms

antiquity, artifact, heirloom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
relic

Used to describe an old object or piece of history, often with religious or sacred significance.

  • The medieval church contains many ancient relics.
  • He found a relic from the Roman Empire buried in his backyard.
artifact

Describes a man-made object, often from a historical or archaeological site. It represents human workmanship and has cultural or historical value.

  • The archaeologists discovered an ancient artifact buried under the pyramid.
  • Artifacts from the Bronze Age were displayed in the exhibition.
antiquity

Refers to an ancient period of history or an old object specifically from ancient cultures.

  • Roman antiquities are widely studied in history courses.
  • The museum's collection includes several items from Greek antiquity.
heirloom

Used to describe a valuable object passed down through generations within a family.

  • The necklace is a family heirloom, given to each first-born daughter.
  • He inherited a beautiful heirloom clock from his grandfather.

Examples of usage

  • The museum houses a collection of ancient relics from the Roman Empire.
  • She treasured the relic, a necklace passed down through generations in her family.
Context #2 | Noun

remnant or remains

A relic can also refer to a remaining part or trace of something that has been lost, destroyed, or disappeared. It can be a surviving fragment or memory of a bygone era or event.

Synonyms

remnant, trace, vestige.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
relic

Relics are often used to describe objects or artifacts from the past, especially those with historical, cultural, or religious significance.

  • The museum displayed a relic from the Roman Empire.
  • This ancient dagger is a relic of medieval Europe.
remnant

Remnant is typically used to refer to a small part that is left over from something larger. It often implies something that survived a process of destruction or erosion.

  • The remnants of the old castle can still be seen on the hill.
  • Archaeologists found remnants of ancient pottery at the site.
vestige

Vestige refers to a small, surviving part or mark of something that no longer exists. It is often used in more formal or literary contexts.

  • There were still vestiges of the old traditions in the village.
  • The ruins are the last vestige of a once-great civilization.
trace

Trace is used to indicate a very small or slight amount of something that remains. It is often used in scientific or investigative contexts.

  • There was only a trace of the chemical in the water sample.
  • They found traces of ancient settlements in the area.

Examples of usage

  • The ruins of the old castle are the only relics left of the once majestic structure.
  • The ghost town is a relic of the gold rush era.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, relics are often preserved in shrines or museums and can be a source of pride and identity.
  • Relics of historical figures, such as King Tutankhamun's tomb items, provide insight into past civilizations and their beliefs.
  • Certain relics are venerated in religious practices, acting as connections to the divine or spiritual past.

Historical Context

  • During the Middle Ages, pilgrimage to sites containing relics was a common practice, believed to offer spiritual benefits.
  • The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century challenged the veneration of relics, leading to significant changes in religious practices across Europe.
  • The discovery of ancient relics has often sparked archaeological interest, leading to unearthing lost histories.

Modern Usage

  • In contemporary contexts, valuable antiques or art pieces can be considered relics of their respective eras.
  • The concept of relics is also used metaphorically to describe outdated practices or objects in modern society.
  • In technology, older devices or software can be referred to as relics, highlighting their obsolescence in the face of new advancements.

Literature and Media

  • Relics often serve as pivotal plot devices in novels and films, symbolizing lost knowledge or a bridge to the past.
  • In folklore and stories, relics frequently possess magical properties, creating quests to retrieve them.
  • The use of relics in storytelling emphasizes the theme of heritage and the importance of understanding one's history.

Origin of 'relic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'reliquiae,' meaning 'things left behind' or 'remains.'
  • In early Christian traditions, relics often referred to the physical remains or personal items of saints.
  • As the language evolved, the term grew to encompass a wide range of historical items and artifacts.

The word 'relic' originated from the Latin word 'reliquiae', meaning 'remains' or 'something left behind'. In ancient times, relics were often associated with religious significance, such as the bones or personal belongings of saints. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of historical artifacts and remnants. Today, relics continue to fascinate archaeologists, historians, and enthusiasts alike as tangible connections to the past.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,801, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.