Relic vs Remain: When And How Can You Use Each One?

Do you know the difference between a relic and a remain? These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the definitions of relic and remain, and when to use each word correctly.

Relic refers to an object that has survived from a previous time period, especially one that has historical or sentimental value. Relics are often associated with religious or cultural significance, such as a piece of the True Cross or a lock of hair from a famous person. In a broader sense, relic can also refer to anything that is outdated or no longer in use.

On the other hand, remain refers to what is left over after something has been destroyed, removed, or used up. Remains can refer to physical objects, such as the remains of a building after a fire, or to intangible things, such as the remains of an argument or a relationship. Remains can also refer to what is left of a person or animal after death.

While relic and remain are similar in that they both refer to something that has survived from the past, they have different connotations and should be used appropriately. In the following sections, we’ll explore some examples of when to use each word.

Define Relic

A relic is an object or item that holds historical, cultural, or religious significance. It is often associated with a particular time period or event and is considered to have value due to its age and rarity. Relics can be physical objects such as artifacts, sculptures, or paintings, or they can be intangible, such as traditions or practices that have been passed down through generations.

Define Remain

Remain refers to something that is left behind or still exists after a particular event or time period. It can refer to physical objects or intangible things such as memories or emotions. Unlike relics, remains do not necessarily hold any historical or cultural significance and may not be considered valuable or rare.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between relics and remains:

Relic	Remain
Object or item	Can be object or intangible
Historical, cultural, or religious significance	No necessary significance
Considered valuable and rare	Not necessarily considered valuable or rare

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, word choice is critical to conveying your intended meaning. The words “relic” and “remain” are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Here’s how to use each word properly in a sentence.

How To Use “Relic” In A Sentence

The word “relic” refers to an object that has survived from a past time period, often with cultural or historical significance. Here are some examples of how to use “relic” in a sentence:

• The museum has a collection of ancient relics from Egypt.
• The old church is a relic of medieval architecture.
• The family heirloom was a relic of a bygone era.

When using “relic” in a sentence, it’s important to consider the object’s historical or cultural significance. This word is often used to describe something that is old or outdated, but still holds value because of its historical importance.

How To Use “Remain” In A Sentence

The word “remain” refers to something that is left over or still present after other parts have been removed or used. Here are some examples of how to use “remain” in a sentence:

• After the party, only a few guests remained.
• The ruins of the castle still remain after hundreds of years.
• Despite the storm, some debris remains on the beach.

When using “remain” in a sentence, it’s important to consider what is left over or still present. This word is often used to describe something that has endured despite changes or challenges, or something that is still present despite other parts being removed or used.

More Examples Of Relic & Remain Used In Sentences

As we continue to explore the differences between relic and remain, it’s helpful to see how these words are used in real-life examples. Here are some sample sentences that demonstrate the proper usage of relic:

• The old church is a relic of a bygone era.
• The antique vase is a relic of ancient China.
• The crumbling castle is a relic of medieval times.
• The vintage car is a relic of the 1950s.
• The dilapidated mansion is a relic of the past.
• The rusted anchor is a relic of the sunken ship.
• The broken statue is a relic of the once-great civilization.
• The faded photograph is a relic of a lost generation.
• The tattered flag is a relic of a historic battle.
• The dusty book is a relic of a forgotten library.

Now let’s take a look at some example sentences that use remain:

• The ruins of the temple remain after centuries of neglect.
• The memories of that day remain etched in my mind.
• The old oak tree remains standing despite the storm.
• The original charm of the neighborhood remains intact.
• The legacy of his work remains as a testament to his talent.
• The scars from the accident will remain with him for life.
• The hope for a better future remains despite the current struggles.
• The truth of the matter remains unchanged.
• The love between them remains strong after all these years.
• The mystery of the missing artifact remains unsolved.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “relic” and “remain,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should be used in the appropriate context. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Relic” Instead Of “Remain”

One of the most common mistakes is using “relic” instead of “remain.” While both words refer to something that is left behind, “relic” specifically refers to something that is old or historically significant. For example, a museum may display a relic from ancient times.

On the other hand, “remain” simply means something that is left over or still exists. For example, if you have a cake and you eat a slice, the remaining cake is what’s left over.

Using “Remain” Instead Of “Relic”

Another mistake is using “remain” instead of “relic.” This is often seen when referring to historical artifacts or monuments. For example, someone may say “the remains of the Colosseum,” when they should be using “relics of the Colosseum.”

It’s important to use the correct word to accurately convey the intended meaning. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

Here are some tips to help you avoid these common mistakes:

• Double-check the definition of the word you want to use
• Use a thesaurus to find alternative words if you’re unsure
• Read your writing out loud to ensure it makes sense

By following these tips, you can avoid using “relic” and “remain” interchangeably and ensure that your writing is clear and accurate.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “relic” and “remain,” it’s important to consider the context in which they are being used. While the two words are often used interchangeably, they can have slightly different connotations depending on the situation.

Examples Of Different Contexts

• Archaeology: In the field of archaeology, a “relic” typically refers to an object that has been excavated and is considered to be of historical or cultural significance. On the other hand, “remain” might be used to refer to the physical remains of a site or structure, such as the remains of a building or the remains of a burial site.
• Religion: In a religious context, a “relic” might refer to an object that is believed to have a special connection to a saint or other religious figure. In this context, “remain” might be used to refer to the physical remains of the figure, such as their bones or ashes.
• Language: In language, “relic” might be used to refer to an archaic word or phrase that is no longer commonly used. “Remain,” on the other hand, might be used to refer to the parts of a sentence that are left over after other parts have been removed.

As these examples demonstrate, the choice between “relic” and “remain” can depend on the specific context in which they are being used. It’s important to consider the nuances of each word and their potential connotations before making a decision.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using relic and remain are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these guidelines may not apply. In such cases, it is important to understand the context in which these words are being used to ensure that they are being used correctly.

Exceptions For Relic

Relic is typically used to refer to an object or artifact that is old and has historical or cultural significance. However, there are some exceptions to this rule:

• Relic as a Verb: In some cases, relic can be used as a verb to refer to something that is no longer used or relevant. For example, “The old computer was reliced to make way for newer technology.”
• Relic in Science: In science, relic can refer to a remnant of an organism or structure that has survived from an earlier time. For example, “The fossilized bones were relics of a long-extinct species.”

Exceptions For Remain

Remain is typically used to refer to something that continues to exist or stay in a particular state. However, there are some exceptions to this rule:

• Remain as a Verb: In some cases, remain can be used as a verb to refer to staying in a particular place or position. For example, “The hikers remained at the summit to take in the view.”
• Remain in Math: In mathematics, remain can refer to the amount left over after division. For example, “The remainder of 17 divided by 3 is 2.”

It is important to note that these exceptions are not exhaustive and that the context in which these words are being used should always be considered when determining the appropriate usage.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have explored the differences between relic and remain, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Below are some practice exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences.

Exercise 1

Choose the correct word (relic or remain) to complete each sentence.

Sentence	Word Choice
After the earthquake, only a few _______ of the building were left standing.	remain
The museum had a collection of ancient _______ from Egypt.	relics
The old castle was in ruins, but some parts of the walls still _______.	remained
The archaeologist found a _______ from the Roman Empire.	relic
Despite the damage from the storm, the house _______ intact.	remained

Answer Key:

1. remain
2. relics
3. remained
4. relic
5. remained

Exercise 2

Write a sentence using each of the following words correctly.

• relic
• remains
• relics
• remained

Answer Key:

• The museum had a valuable relic from the ancient world.
• The remains of the old building were still visible in the field.
• The archaeologist discovered several relics from the Mayan civilization.
• Despite the damage, the house remained standing after the storm.

By completing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of relic and remain in sentences. Keep practicing, and soon you will be able to use these words with confidence and accuracy!

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances of the words “relic” and “remain,” it is clear that they have distinct meanings and cannot be used interchangeably. A relic refers to something that is outdated or no longer in use, while a remain refers to what is left after something has been removed or destroyed. It is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

As writers, we must continue to develop our understanding of grammar and language use to effectively convey our messages. By paying attention to the subtle differences between words like “relic” and “remain,” we can elevate our writing and better connect with our readers.