Remain: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

remain

 

[ rɪˈmeɪn ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

stay

Stay in the same place or condition; continue to be.

Synonyms

endure, linger, stay.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
remain

Used when something continues to exist or stay in the same state after other things have changed.

  • Despite the changes, the core principles remain the same.
  • He chose to remain silent during the meeting.
stay

Used when something or someone continues to be in a particular place or condition.

  • She decided to stay at home rather than go out.
  • Can you stay for dinner?
linger

Used when something stays longer than expected or when someone is reluctant to leave.

  • The smell of the perfume lingered in the room long after she had left.
  • He lingered at the door, unsure of whether to stay or go.
endure

Used when referring to something that continues to exist over a long period of time despite difficult conditions.

  • They endure significant hardships to reach their goals.
  • The old building has endured centuries of weathering.

Examples of usage

  • He remained at home
  • She remained silent
Context #2 | Verb

continue

Be left after other parts have been taken away.

Synonyms

persist, stay, survive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
remain

Use 'remain' to indicate that something continues to exist or be left after other parts have gone or been used. It's often used in more formal contexts.

  • After the renovation, only a few pieces of the original building remain
  • Despite the challenges, she remained calm
persist

Use 'persist' to describe continuing firmly or obstinately in an opinion or course of action despite difficulty or opposition. It often carries a sense of determination or, sometimes, annoyance.

  • He persisted in his efforts to improve the project, despite numerous setbacks
  • If the symptoms persist, consult a doctor
stay

Use 'stay' to indicate that someone or something continues to be in a particular place, position, or condition. It's commonly used in everyday language.

  • Please stay here while I go get help
  • They decided to stay at a hotel during their vacation
survive

Use 'survive' to describe continuing to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship. It is often used in more intense or emergency situations.

  • Only a few people survived the disaster
  • The plant managed to survive through the harsh winter

Examples of usage

  • The question remains unanswered
  • A few doubts still remain
Context #3 | Noun

remainder

The part left over when the other parts have been taken away.

Synonyms

remainder, residue, rest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
remain

Used when something continues to exist or stay in the same place even after other things have gone or been removed.

  • Only a few trees remain after the storm
  • You can remain seated during the concert
remainder

Refers to what is left after the main part has been taken or used. Often used in mathematical or literary contexts.

  • I'll finish the remainder of my homework tonight
  • The remainder of the cake was eaten by the guests
rest

Typically refers to whatever is left over from a quantity or group, more informal than 'remainder'. Can also refer to a period of relaxation.

  • I'll take the rest of the day off
  • You can have the rest of the pie
residue

Often used in scientific or cleaning contexts to describe what is left behind after a process or event, typically referring to a small amount of substance.

  • After boiling the solution, a small residue was left at the bottom of the beaker
  • Cleaning off the soap residue from the tiles can be difficult

Examples of usage

  • The remainder of the cake
  • He finished eating, but a small piece still remains

Translations

Translations of the word "remain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 permanecer

🇮🇳 बने रहना (bane rahna)

🇩🇪 bleiben

🇮🇩 tetap

🇺🇦 залишатися

🇵🇱 pozostać

🇯🇵 残る (nokoru)

🇫🇷 rester

🇪🇸 permanecer

🇹🇷 kalmak

🇰🇷 남다 (namda)

🇸🇦 يبقى (yabqaa)

🇨🇿 zůstat

🇸🇰 zostať

🇨🇳 留下 (liúxià)

🇸🇮 ostati

🇮🇸 vera áfram

🇰🇿 қалу (qalu)

🇬🇪 დარჩენა (darchena)

🇦🇿 qalmaq

🇲🇽 permanecer

Etymology

The word 'remain' originated from the Old French word 'remaindre', which came from the Latin word 'remānēre', meaning 'to stay behind'. The term has been used in English since the 14th century, evolving over time to its current form and usage in the English language.

See also: remainder, remainders, remaining, remains.

Word Frequency Rank

At #850 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.