remedy
C1Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
A solution or treatment that fixes a problem or cures an illness.
A legal or official means of correcting a wrong or injustice.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a solution to an undesirable situation. As a verb, it suggests action to correct a fault.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'remedy' is slightly more common in formal/official contexts (e.g., legal remedy). In US English, it's frequently used in business/management jargon ('remedy the situation').
Connotations
In both, it carries a formal, slightly technical tone when used as a noun. The verb is more flexible.
Frequency
More common in written than spoken English in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
remedy + for + problem (noun)to remedy + problem/difficulty/situation (verb)remedy + against + something (noun, legal)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There is no remedy but to...”
- “past/beyond remedy”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Management took steps to remedy the cash flow issue.
Academic
The study proposes a remedy for the methodological shortcomings of prior research.
Everyday
Grandma's honey-and-lemon tea is her favourite remedy for a sore throat.
Technical
The contract provides for specific remedies in case of breach.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council promised to remedy the potholes on the High Street.
- This error can be remedied quite easily.
American English
- We need to remedy the security flaw in the software immediately.
- The judge ordered the company to remedy the discrimination.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Rest is a good remedy for a headache.
- He used a home remedy for his cough.
- The company is looking for a remedy to this technical problem.
- Is there any remedy for a broken heart?
- The court granted the plaintiff an equitable remedy for the breach of contract.
- No quick remedy exists for such a deep-rooted social issue.
- The arbitration clause stipulated that the sole remedy would be financial compensation.
- Her proposal sought to remedy the systemic bias in the hiring process.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
REMember the mEDicine? A REMEDY is like a medicine for a problem.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE DISEASES / SOLUTIONS ARE CURES
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'лекарство' (medicine) only; it's broader. Don't use 'ремиссия' (remission).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'remedy of' instead of 'remedy for'.
- Using as a countable noun for uncountable concepts: 'a remedy of poverty'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'remedy' used most specifically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is more commonly used as a noun, but the verb form is frequent in formal and business contexts.
Yes, it commonly refers to solutions for any kind of problem, especially in legal, social, or technical contexts.
'Cure' is almost exclusively medical and implies complete elimination. 'Remedy' is broader, can be partial, and applies to any problem.
It is the means by which a court enforces a right, imposes a penalty, or makes another court order to resolve a legal dispute (e.g., damages, injunction).
Collections
Part of a collection
Law and Regulation
C1 · 46 words · Legal language and regulatory frameworks.