Remind Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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remind

[rษชหˆmaษชnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

memory aid

To cause (someone) to remember someone or something.

Synonyms

cue, nudge, prompt.

Examples of usage

  • He reminded me to buy milk on the way home.
  • I need to set a reminder to call my mom.
Context #2 | Noun

memory aid

A thing that causes someone to remember something.

Synonyms

cue, nudge, prompt.

Examples of usage

  • Sticky notes are great reminders for important tasks.
  • She wears a bracelet as a reminder of her grandmother.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Reminders can trigger memories through associations, making it easier to recall information.
  • Studies show that the act of receiving a reminder activates the brain regions associated with memory.
  • Using reminders can improve long-term memory retention by reinforcing connections in the brain.

Technology

  • Many apps today are designed to send reminders for important tasks, helping users stay organized.
  • Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa use reminders to enhance personal productivity and time management.
  • Calendar notifications are a modern version of reminders that ensure we don't forget appointments or events.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, there are traditional practices to remind individuals of important life events like birthdays and anniversaries.
  • Postcards or letters can serve as physical reminders of friendships, travel, or cherished moments in many societies.
  • Songs often remind people of emotional experiences, serving as triggers for nostalgia and reflection.

Literature

  • Many writers use reminders as a literary device to develop plot points, encouraging characters to remember crucial information.
  • In classic literature, characters often face the challenge of remembering key events, driving the narrative forward.
  • Poems about memory highlight the importance of reminding oneself of the past, framing it as a theme of reflection and growth.

Origin of 'remind'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'reminden', which means to bring something back to mind.
  • It is derived from the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and 'mind' indicating the act of thinking.
  • The evolution of the word can be traced back to Old French 'remembrer', showing its roots in both English and French languages.

The word "remind" originated from the Middle English word "remembren," which in turn came from the Old French word "remembrer." The prefix "re-" means again, and "membren" comes from the Latin "membrum," meaning part or member. The concept of reminding someone has been essential throughout history, as humans have always needed ways to remember important information and events.


See also: absentmindedness, mind, mindful, mindfully, mindfulness, mindlessly, mindset, unmindful.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,684 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.