Remedial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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remedial

[rɪˈmiː.di.əl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

education

Providing or intended as a remedy or cure. Given or done as a remedy or solution.

Synonyms

corrective, rehabilitative, restorative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
remedial

Used when referring to actions taken to fix a problem or improve a situation, especially in education or training.

  • He attended remedial classes to improve his math skills.
  • The school offers remedial programs for struggling students.
corrective

Often used in medical, legal, or technical contexts to describe actions taken to correct something that is wrong or defective.

  • She underwent corrective surgery to fix her vision.
  • Corrective measures were implemented to improve safety standards.
restorative

Typically used in contexts where the goal is to restore something to its original condition, often in the fields of health, justice, or art.

  • The restorative justice program focuses on healing for both victims and offenders.
  • Restorative dental work was needed after the accident.
rehabilitative

Commonly used in medical, physical therapy, or criminal justice settings to describe actions aimed at recovery or restoration of health, abilities, or behavior.

  • He entered a rehabilitative program to overcome his addiction.
  • The hospital offers rehabilitative services for stroke patients.

Examples of usage

  • Remedial classes are offered to help students catch up in certain subjects.
  • She received remedial therapy to improve her reading skills.
Context #2 | Adjective

medicine

Intended to correct or improve deficient skills in a particular subject.

Synonyms

curative, healing, therapeutic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
remedial

Used for things intended to correct or improve something, often in terms of education or skills. It can imply that there's a deficiency that needs addressing.

  • She needs to take remedial math classes to catch up with her peers.
  • The remedial program helped students who were struggling to read.
therapeutic

Describes treatments or activities that help to restore health, alleviate symptoms, or provide a sense of well-being. It often implies ongoing care.

  • He finds painting to be very therapeutic after a long day at work.
  • The therapeutic massage helped reduce her chronic pain.
curative

Appropriate for situations involving medical treatment or the act of curing diseases or medical conditions.

  • The curative properties of this plant are well-documented.
  • Doctors applied a curative treatment to eradicate the infection.
healing

Relates to the process of making someone well again, often focusing on emotional or physical recovery.

  • Meditation can have a powerful healing effect on the mind.
  • The community came together for a healing ceremony to support victims of the disaster.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor prescribed remedial exercises to help with the patient's mobility.
  • The remedial treatment helped alleviate the symptoms of the disease.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Education

  • Remedial education programs are designed to bring students up to speed with their peers.
  • These programs often focus on foundational skills like reading, writing, and math.
  • In many countries, remedial courses are offered in higher education to support students transitioning from high school.

Psychology

  • Research shows that personalized remedial approaches can significantly enhance learning outcomes for struggling students.
  • The stigma surrounding remedial classes can affect self-esteem but can be mitigated with the right support structures.
  • Understanding different learning styles is critical in creating effective remedial strategies.

Pop Culture

  • Films and books often depict characters returning to school for remedial help, showcasing their journey towards improvement.
  • The concept of 'remedial' has been humorously used in comedies, where characters find themselves in unexpected learning situations.
  • Educational reality shows sometimes feature contestants in need of remedial education, highlighting the importance of second chances.

Literature

  • The term 'remedial' has been used metaphorically in literature to depict characters seeking to 'cure' their flaws.
  • Novels often explore themes of personal growth, where protagonists undergo a 'remedial' journey of self-discovery.
  • In educational literature, the need for remedial approaches is frequently discussed in the context of equitable access to learning.

Origin of 'remedial'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'remedium', meaning 'a cure' or 'a remedy'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 19th century, primarily relating to education and improvement.
  • The initial use in education referred to classes designed to aid students falling behind.

The word 'remedial' originated from the Latin word 'remedialis', which means 'healing' or 'curative'. The concept of providing remedial solutions or treatments dates back to ancient civilizations that believed in the power of healing through remedies. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass not just medical treatments but also educational interventions aimed at correcting deficiencies or improving skills.


See also: irremediable, irremediably, remediation, remedies, remedying.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,247 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.