relique: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / ArchaicLiterary / Poetic / Historical
Quick answer
What does “relique” mean?
An archaic variant spelling of 'relic', primarily meaning an object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An archaic variant spelling of 'relic', primarily meaning an object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest.
In modern usage, it is a deliberate, archaic spelling used to evoke a poetic, historical, or antiquarian tone. It can refer to a remnant, a surviving custom, or a venerated object, often from a distant past.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'relique' is archaic in both varieties. It may be marginally more likely to appear in British texts due to a stronger tradition of antiquarian writing, but it is exceptionally rare in both.
Connotations
Connotes antiquity, reverence, and a connection to a (often medieval or Renaissance) past. It can sound deliberately old-fashioned or whimsical.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency. The standard modern spelling 'relic' is used overwhelmingly in all contexts in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “relique” in a Sentence
a relique of [past era/event]a relique from [specific time]treated as a reliqueVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in specific historical or literary analyses discussing archaic language or texts that use the spelling.
Everyday
Never used. Would be misunderstood or seen as a spelling error.
Technical
Not used in any standard technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “relique”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “relique”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “relique”
- Using 'relique' in standard writing (it's a spelling error).
- Pronouncing it differently from 'relic'.
- Assuming it has a different meaning from 'relic'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Relique' is an obsolete, archaic spelling. The correct modern spelling is 'relic'.
You should almost never use 'relique'. It is only used for deliberate stylistic effect in creative writing (e.g., poetry, historical fiction) to sound old-fashioned.
No, it is pronounced identically to 'relic' (/ˈrɛlɪk/).
Most readers will understand it means 'relic', but they will likely see it as an affectation or a simple spelling mistake. It is not recommended for general use.
An archaic variant spelling of 'relic', primarily meaning an object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest.
Relique is usually literary / poetic / historical in register.
Relique: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛlɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛlɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a relique of a bygone age”
- “a mere relique”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Relique' looks 'unique' and 'antique' – it's a uniquely antique spelling.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PAST IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT TO BE PRESERVED AND VENERATED.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the spelling 'relique' be most appropriate?