Reminder: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

reminder

 

[ rɪˈmaɪndər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
reminder

Used to make someone aware of something they may have forgotten or need to do.

  • I need to set a reminder to call the dentist.
  • He left a reminder note on the fridge for his wife.
notification

Commonly used in digital contexts to inform users about updates, messages, or other information.

  • I got a notification that my package was delivered.
  • Please check your phone for any new notifications from the app.
alert

Often used in situations where immediate attention is required, especially for warnings or critical updates.

  • The weather service issued a flood alert for the area.
  • I received an alert about suspicious activity on my bank account.
prompt

Used to encourage someone to take action or to provide a cue in a specific situation.

  • The teacher gave the students a writing prompt.
  • A prompt appeared on the screen asking for my password.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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?

arrow down
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.

  • Make sure to set a reminder to renew your subscription
  • An email reminder was sent to all participants about the upcoming deadline
memory aid

Appropriate for professional, educational, or medical contexts where tools or techniques are used to assist with remembering information.

  • The doctor recommended using a memory aid to help her recall her daily medications
  • Students often create flashcards as a memory aid for exams
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'.

  • He kept the old war medal as a memento of his service
  • She brought back a small statue as a memento from her trip to Italy
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.

  • She gave me her grandmother's necklace as a keepsake
  • The old ticket stub is a keepsake from our first concert together

Examples of usage

  • The old photograph was a reminder of happier times.
  • The smell of the ocean was a reminder of her childhood vacations.
Context #3 | Noun

warning

A reminder can also be a warning or caution about something.

Synonyms

alert, caution, warning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
reminder

Used when you want to bring attention to something previously scheduled or noted, often in a friendly or neutral manner.

  • Just a reminder that our meeting starts at 10 AM.
  • The app sends a reminder to take your medication.
warning

Used to inform someone about a serious danger or problem, often with a negative connotation and a higher level of urgency or seriousness.

  • The weather service issued a warning about the hurricane.
  • She received a warning from her boss regarding her behavior at work.
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.'

  • Approach the wild animals with caution.
  • The sign says to proceed with caution on the wet floor.
alert

Typically used for immediate attention to something important or urgent. It often involves a sense of urgency or importance but not always danger.

  • We received an alert about the upcoming storm.
  • The bank sent an alert about unusual activity on my account.

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

Translations of the word "reminder" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lembrete

🇮🇳 अनुस्मारक

🇩🇪 Erinnerung

🇮🇩 pengingat

🇺🇦 нагадування

🇵🇱 przypomnienie

🇯🇵 リマインダー

🇫🇷 rappel

🇪🇸 recordatorio

🇹🇷 hatırlatıcı

🇰🇷 리마인더

🇸🇦 تذكير

🇨🇿 připomínka

🇸🇰 pripomienka

🇨🇳 提醒

🇸🇮 opomnik

🇮🇸 áminning

🇰🇿 ескертпе

🇬🇪 შეხსენება

🇦🇿 xatırlatma

🇲🇽 recordatorio

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,468 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.