Reminder Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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reminder
[rɪˈmaɪndər ]
Definitions
on a phone
A reminder is a message or notification that prompts someone to do something at a specific time.
Synonyms
alert, notification, prompt.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reminder |
Used to make someone aware of something they may have forgotten or need to do.
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| notification |
Commonly used in digital contexts to inform users about updates, messages, or other information.
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| alert |
Often used in situations where immediate attention is required, especially for warnings or critical updates.
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| prompt |
Used to encourage someone to take action or to provide a cue in a specific situation.
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Examples of usage
- I set a reminder on my phone to pick up milk on the way home.
- Don't forget to set a reminder for the meeting tomorrow morning.
general
A reminder is something that causes someone to remember a particular person, event, or thing.
Synonyms
keepsake, memento, memory aid.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reminder |
Similar to the first 'reminder' entry, it's used in everyday scenarios to note something important to remember. This repeated entry emphasizes practical and habitual use.
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| memory aid |
Appropriate for professional, educational, or medical contexts where tools or techniques are used to assist with remembering information.
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| memento |
This word is usually used when referring to an object kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event. It has a slightly more formal tone compared to 'keepsake'.
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| keepsake |
Use this word when talking about an item that has sentimental value or emotional significance, often given by someone important or acquired during a meaningful event.
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Examples of usage
- The old photograph was a reminder of happier times.
- The smell of the ocean was a reminder of her childhood vacations.
warning
A reminder can also be a warning or caution about something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reminder |
Used when you want to bring attention to something previously scheduled or noted, often in a friendly or neutral manner.
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| warning |
Used to inform someone about a serious danger or problem, often with a negative connotation and a higher level of urgency or seriousness.
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| caution |
Used to advise someone to avoid potential danger or to be careful. It often holds a preventive or warning undertone but is usually less intense than 'warning.'
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| alert |
Typically used for immediate attention to something important or urgent. It often involves a sense of urgency or importance but not always danger.
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Examples of usage
- The dark clouds were a reminder of the impending storm.
- The doctor's advice was a reminder to take better care of my health.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Humans often create external reminders to compensate for memory limitations, using calendars and notes.
- Studies show reminders significantly enhance memory recall, particularly in learning environments.
- The 'spacing effect' in psychology highlights that spaced reminders lead to better long-term retention of information.
Technology
- With smartphone apps, digital reminders have transformed how people keep track of tasks and appointments.
- Artificial intelligence is now used to create personalized reminders for users based on past behaviors.
- Smart home devices can verbally remind individuals of tasks, revolutionizing daily planning.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'don't forget' is commonly used in popular songs and movies, emphasizing the importance of memory.
- Television shows often portray characters using quirky methods to remind themselves of key events or appointments.
- Superhero movies sometimes include plot points where reminders alter the course of events for the characters.
Education
- Teachers frequently use reminders to help students focus on key concepts and important deadlines.
- Visual aids like charts and flashcards serve as reminders in educational settings, aiding memory retention.
- Group study sessions often incorporate reminders about assignments, promoting collaborative learning.
Origin of 'reminder'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'remindere,' which means ‘to remind’ or ‘to bring back to mind.’
- It was first used in the English language around the early 15th century, growing from the concept of bringing memories back.
- Old French influenced the spelling and use, connecting the word to a broader range of meanings in English.
The word 'reminder' originated from the combination of 're-' meaning again, and 'mind' referring to mental awareness. It first appeared in the late 16th century and has since evolved to encompass various meanings related to prompting memory, notifications, and warnings.
See also: remindful.