What does remnant mean?

Pronunciation

/ˈrɛmnənt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A remaining part or fragment of something that has been broken, destroyed, or worn away; a surviving element or relic of an earlier time or system.

Examples

• The remnant of the ancient city walls still stood, a testament to the civilization that once flourished.
• The small town was a remnant of the old west, with its dusty streets and tumbleweeds.

Synonyms

• Fragment
• Relic

Antonyms

• Whole
• Intact

Additional Information

The concept of remnant is often used to describe the remaining parts of something that has been destroyed or lost, such as a remnant of a building after a natural disaster or a remnant of a species on the brink of extinction. It can also refer to a surviving element of an earlier time or system, such as a remnant of a forgotten culture or a remnant of a historical event. In this sense, the term remnant serves as a reminder of the past and its significance in shaping our present and future.

In some cases, the term remnant can also be used to describe a group of people who have survived a catastrophic event or a significant change, such as a remnant of a community that has been displaced or a remnant of a tribe that has been decimated. In this context, the term remnant takes on a more personal and emotional connotation, highlighting the resilience and determination of those who have managed to survive against the odds.

Etymology

The word “remnant” has its roots in Old French “remenant”, which is derived from the Latin “remanere”, meaning “to remain”. The term has been used in the English language since the 14th century to describe a remaining part or fragment of something.

Usage Notes

The term remnant is often used in a variety of contexts, including history, archaeology, biology, and sociology. It can be used to describe the physical remains of a building or a community, as well as the cultural or social remnants of a particular time or place. When using the term remnant, it is important to consider the context and connotation in which it is being used to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Cultural References

The concept of remnant has been featured in numerous works of literature, film, and art, including the novel “The Remnant” by Steve Lyons, the film “Remnant” by Olatunde Osunsanmi, and the album “Remnant” by the band August Burns Red. The term has also been used in various cultural and historical contexts, such as the Remnant of Israel in biblical studies and the Remnants of the Viet Cong in Vietnamese history.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word remnant include “a remnant of the past”, “a remnant of a bygone era”, and “the remnant of a forgotten culture”. These phrases often evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time that has been lost or forgotten.

Related Words or Phrases

• Ruins
• Remaining
• Survivor

Collocations

• Remnant of a building
• Remnant of a community
• Remnant of a species

Frequency of Use

The word remnant is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is frequently found in academic and technical writing, particularly in the fields of history, archaeology, and biology. It is also used in various cultural and historical contexts to describe the remaining parts of something that has been lost or destroyed.

Common Misspellings

• Remnent
• Rimnant
• Remenant