Relics
ˈrelɪks
Definitions
2 meaningsAn object or piece of history that has survived from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest.
ˈrelɪks
An object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest.
The museum has a collection of ancient relics from various civilizations.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're exploring an old castle, and you find a rusty sword or a beautiful old painting. These are relics, objects that tell stories of the past. Like, finding a cool old toy in your grandma's attic – that's a relic!
👶 For kids: Old, important things from the past, like a dinosaur bone or a crown from a king.
More Examples
The family cherished the antique furniture as relics of their heritage.
The artifacts recovered from the shipwreck were valuable relics of a bygone era.
The artist's studio was filled with relics of his creative journey.
How It's Used
"Archaeologists unearthed ancient relics from the pharaoh's tomb."
"The cathedral housed relics of important saints."
"The museum displayed various relics from the Civil War."
A surviving memorial of a person's past, character, activity, or culture
ˈrelɪks
A surviving memorial of a person's past, character, activity, etc.
The old photograph was a relic of their youthful romance.
💡 Simply: Think of a photo album. Each picture is a relic of a moment in your life, a piece of the past you can hold onto.
👶 For kids: Something that reminds you of the past, like an old diary or a favorite toy that you don't use anymore.
More Examples
The abandoned factory was a relic of a once-thriving industrial era.
The handwritten letters were cherished relics of her grandmother's life.
The faded murals were relics of a vibrant cultural heritage.
How It's Used
"His diaries were relics of a life filled with adventure and heartbreak."
"The old town was a relic of a time before the highway."
From Old French *relique*, from Latin *reliquiae* ("remains, relics"), plural of *reliquia* ("remains, what is left").
The word 'relics' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to religious objects or remains of saints. Its usage broadened over time to include any objects from the past.
Memory tip
Think of 'relics' as old treasures or important objects from the past that remind us of history.
Word Origin
"remains"