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Remnant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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remnant

[หˆrษ›mnษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

piece of fabric

A remnant is a small remaining quantity of something, especially a piece of cloth or carpet.

Synonyms

fragment, leftover, scrap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
remnant

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.
fragment

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.
scrap

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.
leftover

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.

Examples of usage

  • The store was selling remnants of fabric at a discounted price.
  • She used the remnant of the old rug to make a new cushion cover.
Context #2 | Noun

remaining part

A remnant can also refer to a small remaining part, quantity, or number of something.

Synonyms

remainder, residue, vestige.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
remnant

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
remainder

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
residue

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
vestige

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

Examples of usage

  • Only a remnant of the original building still stands.
  • The remnant of the cake was all that was left after the party.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, remnants can symbolize the past or what has been lost, often seen in themes of nostalgia or memory.
  • Classics like 'The Great Gatsby' explore remnants of wealth and status in a changing society.
  • Authors such as T.S. Eliot use the concept of remnants to express disillusionment and fragmentation in modern life.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, remnants from significant events (like festivals or feasts) hold symbolic meaning and can represent continuity.
  • In archaeology, remnants of ancient civilizations give us clues about past human behaviors and societies.
  • People often cherish remnants from personal experiences, such as souvenirs or mementos, reflecting emotional ties.

Science

  • In ecology, remnants of habitats can impact biodiversity and conservation efforts, as they often contain vital ecosystems.
  • Physical remnants, like fossils, provide essential insights into the history of life on Earth.
  • In genetics, remnants of ancient DNA can reveal information about evolution and species' evolutionary histories.

Art

  • Artists often explore remnants in their work, using leftover materials to create new pieces that tell a story.
  • The concept of 'remnant' is sometimes used in abstract art to challenge viewers to find meaning in what is not fully visible.
  • Museums often display remnants of historical artifacts, emphasizing their importance in understanding culture and history.

Origin of 'remnant'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'remnantem', meaning 'that which remains'.
  • It entered the English language in the 14th century, originally used to describe leftovers or scraps.
  • In medieval times, 'remnant' was often used in textiles to refer to leftover fabric pieces.

The word 'remnant' originated from the Old French word 'remenant', which means 'remains'. It was first used in the 14th century to describe what is left over or remaining. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various contexts, from fabric scraps to remaining parts of a whole.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,679, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.