Definition

1. Noun:
   • An object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest: A "relic" is a physical object that remains from a past era, culture, or person, often valued for its age, history, or association.
   • A surviving trace of something: "Relic" can also refer to a remaining practice, custom, or belief from a former time that is now outdated or rare.
   • (In religion) A part of a deceased holy person's body or belongings kept as an object of reverence: In religious contexts, a "relic" is often venerated as a sacred memorial.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The museum displayed a relic from the Roman Empire. (The museum showed an object that survived from the time of the Roman Empire.)
  • This old typewriter is a relic of a bygone era. (This typewriter is a surviving object from a past period that has ended.)
  • The custom is a relic of medieval times. (The practice is a surviving trace from the Middle Ages.)
  • Pilgrims traveled to see the saint's relic. (Pilgrims journeyed to view the sacred object associated with the saint.)

Advanced Usage

• "Living relic": A person or thing that seems to belong to a much earlier time.

  • With his old-fashioned manners, he was considered a living relic. (His outdated behavior made him seem like a survival from the past.)

• "Relic of the past": Something outdated that reminds people of a previous time.

  • The paper filing system is a relic of the past in our digital office. (The physical filing system is an outdated trace from before digital technology.)

Variants and Related Words

• Relict (n, formal/technical): A surviving species or object from an earlier period; a widow (archaic).
  • The plant is a relict of the last ice age. (The plant is a surviving species from the glacial period.)

Synonyms

• Artifact: An object made by a human being, typically one of cultural or historical interest.
• Remnant: A small remaining quantity of something; a surviving trace.
• Vestige: A trace or remnant of something that is disappearing or no longer exists.

Antonyms

• Innovation: A new method, idea, or product.
• Novelty: The quality of being new, original, or unusual.

Related Phrases

• Relic hunter: A person who searches for historical artifacts.
  • The relic hunter explored the ancient ruins. (The artifact seeker investigated the old ruins.)

Idioms

• A relic of a bygone age/era: Something that clearly belongs to and reminds one of a past time.
  • The steam train is a charming relic of a bygone age. (The steam train is a charming object surviving from a past period.)

Noun

1. something of sentimental value
2. an antiquity that has survived from the distant past