reminder
C1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
Something that causes you to remember something; a prompt or notification.
1. An object, note, or event that serves to prompt memory. 2. A communication designed to ensure an action is not forgotten. 3. A sign or symbol of a past event or person. 4. (Computing) A programmed notification.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a prior agreement, intention, or forgotten fact. Often suggests a need for action or awareness. Can carry a neutral or slightly negative connotation (e.g., an unwelcome reminder of a failure).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal differences in core meaning or usage. The word is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more formal/polite in British English when used in service contexts (e.g., 'a gentle reminder'). In American English, can be perceived as more direct.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties with near-identical usage patterns.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
reminder of + NOUN (an event/person)reminder that + CLAUSEreminder to + INFINITIVEsend/give/issue a reminderserve as a reminderVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a salutary reminder”
- “a stark reminder”
- “a living reminder”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A formal communication about an unpaid invoice or upcoming deadline.
Academic
A prompt for students to submit work or an example that illustrates a theoretical point.
Everyday
A note on the fridge or a phone alert for an appointment.
Technical
A system-generated pop-up or email in software applications.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I must remind him about the meeting.
- The photo reminded her of their holiday.
American English
- Can you remind me to call the doctor?
- That song reminds me of high school.
adjective
British English
- She gave him a reminding nudge.
- The reminding email was sent yesterday.
American English
- He set a reminding alert on his phone.
- The reminding function is very useful.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I wrote a reminder on my hand.
- My phone is a reminder for my homework.
- She sent me a reminder about the party tomorrow.
- The old castle is a reminder of the town's history.
- The report served as a stark reminder of the project's risks.
- I've set a calendar reminder for the dentist appointment.
- The monument stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made.
- Despite the gentle reminder, the payment remained outstanding.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-MIND-er. It RE-activates your MIND. Something that puts something back INTO your mind.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEMORY IS AN OBJECT (you can give/send/receive a reminder). FORGETTING IS LOSING (a reminder helps you find/retrieve the memory).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation from 'напоминание' when it means 'similarity' (e.g., 'He has a reminder of his father' is wrong; use 'resemblance').
- In Russian, 'напоминать' can mean 'to resemble'. 'Reminder' never carries this meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'rememberer' (not a standard word).
- Confusing 'reminder' with 'memorandum' in overly formal contexts.
- Incorrect preposition: 'reminder for doing something' (use 'reminder to do' or 'reminder of').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'reminder' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral. It can be used in both formal contexts ('a final reminder before legal action') and informal ones ('a reminder note on the fridge').
A 'memo' (memorandum) is typically a brief written message within an organization. A 'reminder' is specifically intended to jog the memory and can be a memo, but also an object, alarm, or event.
No, the verb form is 'to remind'. 'Reminder' is only a noun.
A polite and non-confrontational prompt, often used in business communications to avoid seeming aggressive when following up on a request or payment.
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