Reminder

/rɪˈmaɪndər/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonInformation
2 meanings3 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A thing that serves to remind someone of something.

/rɪˈmaɪndər/

nounneutralBeginner
Information

Something that helps you remember something else.

She set a reminder to take her medicine.

💡 Simply: A 'reminder' is like a little nudge to help you remember something important, like a text to pay a bill or a sticky note on your desk to call your friend. It's like a friendly helper for your memory!

👶 For kids: A reminder is like a secret helper that tells you to remember something important!

More Examples

2

The email served as a gentle reminder of the meeting.

3

A flashing light acted as a visual reminder of the deadline.

How It's Used

Daily Life

"I set a reminder on my phone to buy groceries."

Business

"The accountant sent a reminder about the upcoming tax deadline."

2

A person or thing that makes you remember something, especially something unpleasant.

/rɪˈmaɪndər/

nounneutralmedium
Emotion

A person or thing that causes someone to recall a memory or feeling.

The old house was a bittersweet reminder of their childhood.

💡 Simply: A 'reminder' can be a person, a place, or even a song that makes you remember something from the past. It can be a happy memory, a sad one, or just something you need to think about.

👶 For kids: A reminder is something that makes you think about the past!

More Examples

2

The scar on his arm was a constant reminder of the accident.

3

That song is a powerful reminder of summer holidays.

How It's Used

Personal relationships

"The photograph was a painful reminder of happier times."

Literature

"The scent of lavender was a poignant reminder of her grandmother."

Tip:Remember a song that triggers a particular memory.

Idioms & expressions

gentle reminder

A mild and polite prompt.

"The email served as a gentle reminder about the upcoming payment."

a helpful reminder

An important prompt.

"This schedule is a helpful reminder of your tasks."

a painful reminder

A prompt that elicits a feeling of sadness or grief.

"The memorial was a painful reminder of those we lost."

From Middle English remembre, from Old French remembre, from Latin rememorari ('to remember, call to mind'), from re- ('again') + memor ('mindful').

The word 'reminder' has been used since the 16th century and originally meant to bring to someone's mind.

Memory tip

Think of a little note taped to your fridge.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to remember, call to mind"

gentle reminderhelpful reminderpainful reminderdaily reminderemail reminder

Common misspellings

remminderremenderremider

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written