relic
C1Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
A surviving object or fragment from a past culture, era, or person, valued for its age, history, or association.
Something outdated or rare that has survived from the past; in biology/anthropology, a surviving but non-functional part or practice; in religion, a venerated object or body part associated with a saint or holy figure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word inherently implies survival, age, and often a degree of reverence or historical interest. It can carry positive (treasured antique), neutral (historical remnant), or negative (outdated practice) connotations depending on context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The religious sense (saint's relic) is equally understood but may be slightly more frequent in UK contexts due to historical church architecture/tourism.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can connote something quaint, historical, or obsolete. No major connotative divergence.
Frequency
Similar frequency; perhaps marginally higher in UK English in heritage/tourism contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
relic of [noun phrase]relic from [time/place]relic that [clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A relic of a bygone age”
- “A living relic”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used negatively to describe outdated technology, processes, or attitudes: 'The paper filing system is a relic from the 1990s.'
Academic
Used in history, archaeology, and biology: 'The appendix is considered a vestigial relic of our evolutionary past.'
Everyday
Describing old objects or outdated customs:
Technical
In archaeology/art history: a man-made object from an earlier time. In biology: a relict species or anatomical structure.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Very rare, archaic) Not in common use.
American English
- (Very rare, archaic) Not in common use.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard)
American English
- (Not standard)
adjective
British English
- The relic vase was carefully handled by the curator.
- They studied the relic species in the isolated valley.
American English
- The relic car was restored for the parade.
- They aimed to protect the relic forest ecosystem.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The museum has an old relic from Roman times.
- This coin is a relic from my grandfather.
- The castle is a relic from the medieval period.
- That old computer is a relic; it doesn't even have internet.
- The policy is widely seen as a relic of a less enlightened era.
- Archaeologists uncovered several religious relics at the site.
- The linguistic feature is a relic of the region's complex settlement history.
- He viewed the traditional ceremony as a charming but fading relic of rural life.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RELIC sounds like 'REmains Left In Cupboard' - something old and kept from long ago.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS SPACE (A 'relic' is an object that has 'survived the journey' from the past to the present.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'реликт' (relict) in purely biological/geological contexts. 'Relic' is broader. The Russian 'реликвия' is a closer match for valued historical/religious objects.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'This is a relic from my childhood' (if the item is not notably old or historically significant). Better: 'keepsake' or 'memento'.
- Incorrect plural: 'relics' (correct).
- Misspelling: 'rellik' or 'rellic'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'relic' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically yes, it implies considerable age (decades or centuries). Using it for something from 5 years ago would be hyperbolic or humorous.
Yes, metaphorically. 'He's a relic of the old school' describes a person with outdated views or methods.
An 'antique' is specifically an old collectible item of value. A 'relic' emphasizes survival and historical connection, not necessarily monetary value. A relic can be a stone tool; an antique is usually a refined piece of furniture or art.
It is neutral but context-dependent. It can be positive (venerated religious relic), neutral (archaeological relic), or negative (relic of a failed system).