Relics: meaning, definitions and examples

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relics

[ˈrelɪks ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

historical artifacts

Relics are objects or remains of great historical or sentimental value, typically associated with a particular person or event. They serve as tangible reminders of the past and are often preserved or displayed in museums or religious institutions.

Synonyms

antiquities, artifacts, heirlooms.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
relics	This word is often used to refer to objects that have survived from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest. It can also imply that the items are somewhat sacred or venerated. The church holds many relics of saints. These relics from the ancient world are displayed in the museum.
artifacts	Artifacts are usually man-made objects regarded as having cultural or historical importance. The term is often used in the context of archaeological discoveries. The dig revealed several ancient artifacts. He studies artifacts from the Bronze Age.
antiquities	This term is most commonly used to refer to ancient objects, particularly those of historical or archaeological significance. It often refers to items from ancient civilizations. The gallery has a remarkable collection of Roman antiquities. She is an expert in Greek antiquities.
heirlooms	This word is used for valuable objects that have been passed down through generations within a family. Heirlooms usually have sentimental value and personal history attached to them. The ring is a family heirloom. She inherited many heirlooms from her grandmother.

Examples of usage

The museum houses a collection of ancient relics dating back to the Roman Empire.
Pilgrims travel from far and wide to see the relics of saints at the cathedral.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'relics' comes from the Latin word 'reliquiae', meaning 'remains' or 'things left behind'.
In ancient cultures, relics were often linked to saints and were thought to possess special powers or blessings.
Relics have been used throughout history in various religions to connect people to their faith and traditions.

Cultural Significance

In Christianity, many churches house relics of saints within altars, highlighting their reverence in worship.
Indigenous cultures often view certain natural formations or objects as relics, representing their ancestral history.
Museums worldwide showcase relics to educate the public about diverse cultural heritages and significant historical events.

Archaeology

Archaeologists often discover relics during excavations, which provide insights into past civilizations and their daily lives.
Common types of relics found include pottery, tools, jewelry, and even remains of structures that once existed.
The study of relics helps archaeologists piece together timelines and understand human development over ages.

Literature

Relics often appear in stories as symbols of lost knowledge, creating an atmosphere of mystery and discovery.
Many classic novels, like those featuring time travel, use relics to depict connections between characters and their historical contexts.
Authors leverage relics to illustrate themes of nostalgia, memory, and the passage of time in their narratives.

Modern Usage

In pop culture, relics often refer to vintage items, with trends like 'retro' or 'nostalgia' driving their value in markets.
Video games frequently incorporate relics as artifacts to discover, rewarding players with lore and enhancing immersion in fantasy worlds.
The term 'digital relics' is now used to describe outdated technology or media that remind us of earlier cultural moments.

Translations

Translations of the word "relics" in other languages:

🇵🇹 relíquias

🇮🇳 अवशेष

🇩🇪 Relikte

🇮🇩 relik

🇺🇦 реліквії

🇵🇱 relikwie

🇯🇵 遺物

🇫🇷 reliques

🇪🇸 reliquias

🇹🇷 kalıntılar

🇰🇷 유물

🇸🇦 آثار

🇨🇿 relikvie

🇸🇰 relikvie

🇨🇳 遗物

🇸🇮 relikvije

🇮🇸 fornminjar

🇰🇿 қалдықтар

🇬🇪 ნაშთები

🇦🇿 qalıntılar

🇲🇽 reliquias

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,781 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
9778 authenticity
9779 hymn
9780 gal
9781 relics
9782 biased
9783 cautiously
9784 illuminating
...