Remnant: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually used to describe a small remaining part of something that was once larger. Often found in contexts like history, fabric/textiles, or memory.

• The remnant of the ancient wall stood tall.
• She sewed a new dress from the remnant of the fabric.

Typically used to indicate a broken piece of something, often referring to something brittle like glass, pottery, or even incomplete pieces of text or art.

• He found a fragment of the broken vase.
• The scholar studied a fragment of the ancient manuscript.

Usually refers to small, discarded pieces or bits of something, often metal, paper, or fabric. Can also imply something worthless or unuseful. Negative connotation is possible.

• He collected scrap metal to sell.
• She jotted down a note on a scrap of paper.
• Don't throw away those fabric scraps; you can use them for quilting.

Commonly used to refer to food that remains after a meal, or more generally, anything that remains unused after a specific activity. It has a practical, everyday feel.

• We had leftovers from last night's dinner.
• She used the leftover paint for the garage walls.

Used to describe a small remaining piece of something, often in a physical or tangible form.

• After the fire, only a remnant of the house remained
• She used remnants of fabric to make a quilt

Used to describe what is left of something when the rest has been removed or used, often in a more abstract or numeric context.

• Please finish the remainder of your homework before going outside
• The remainder of the cake was kept in the fridge

Used to describe a small amount of something that remains after a process has been completed, often used in a scientific or chemical context.

• There was a sticky residue left on the table after the syrup spilled
• The experiment showed a residue of the reactant in the test tube

Used to describe a small trace or remnant of something that is disappearing or no longer exists, often has a historical or emotional connotation.

• The ancient ruins were the last vestige of a once-great civilization
• He held onto a vestige of hope despite the bleak situation