Reminder: meaning, definitions and examples
⏰
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.
|
| notification |
Commonly used in digital contexts to inform users about updates, messages, or other information.
|
| alert |
Often used in situations where immediate attention is required, especially for warnings or critical updates.
|
| prompt |
Used to encourage someone to take action or to provide a cue in a specific situation.
|
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.
|
| memory aid |
Appropriate for professional, educational, or medical contexts where tools or techniques are used to assist with remembering information.
|
| 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.
|
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.
|
| warning |
Used to inform someone about a serious danger or problem, often with a negative connotation and a higher level of urgency or seriousness.
|
| 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.'
|
| alert |
Typically used for immediate attention to something important or urgent. It often involves a sense of urgency or importance but not always danger.
|
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
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