remnants: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal. Common in written English, especially in historical, descriptive, and journalistic contexts. Also used in commerce (fabric/remnant sales).
Quick answer
What does “remnants” mean?
Small parts or amounts of something that are left after most of it has been used, removed, or destroyed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Small parts or amounts of something that are left after most of it has been used, removed, or destroyed.
A surviving trace or vestige of a former, often larger or more significant, state, entity, or thing. Can also refer to remaining pieces of fabric sold at a discount.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The term is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations of something diminished, residual, or from a past era are consistent.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “remnants” in a Sentence
[remnants] + of + [noun phrase] (remnants of the cake)[verb] + the remnants (gathered the remnants)[adjective] + remnants (pathetic remnants)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “remnants” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [N/A - 'remnants' is not a verb]
American English
- [N/A - 'remnants' is not a verb]
adverb
British English
- [N/A - No adverb form]
American English
- [N/A - No adverb form]
adjective
British English
- [N/A - 'remnants' is not an adjective. The related adjective is 'remnant', as in 'remnant population']
American English
- [N/A - 'remnants' is not an adjective. The related adjective is 'remnant', as in 'remnant forest']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to leftover stock, especially fabric or materials sold at reduced prices.
Academic
Used in history, archaeology, and sociology to describe surviving elements from a past culture, system, or period.
Everyday
Typically used for leftover food, or the last parts of something consumed (e.g., remnants of a snowstorm).
Technical
In geology/geography, can refer to remnant landforms or vegetation; in physics/engineering, to remnant magnetization.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “remnants”
- Using it as a singular uncountable noun (e.g., 'a remnant' is correct for one piece; 'remnants' is plural).
- Confusing it with 'remainder', which is more neutral and mathematical.
- Overusing in place of simpler words like 'leftovers' (food) or 'pieces'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'a remnant' refers to a single piece or trace left over. The plural 'remnants' is more common, referring to a collection of such pieces.
'Leftovers' is more everyday, especially for food. 'Remnants' has a wider, often more formal or descriptive use, applying to abstract concepts (empire, culture) and physical fragments, and can imply something more diminished or pathetic.
Rarely. It typically carries a neutral or slightly negative/melancholic connotation, emphasizing loss, reduction, or decay. A positive twist would require context, e.g., 'precious remnants of a lost art.'
While 'remnants of' is the most common and preferred collocation, 'remnants from' is also used, especially when emphasizing origin or separation: 'remnants from the original building'.
Small parts or amounts of something that are left after most of it has been used, removed, or destroyed.
Remnants is usually neutral to formal. common in written english, especially in historical, descriptive, and journalistic contexts. also used in commerce (fabric/remnant sales). in register.
Remnants: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛmnənts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛmnənts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not a strong idiom carrier. Often used in set phrases like 'remnants of the past' or 'remnants of a meal'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a REMNANT as what RE-MaiNs ANT the end.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PAST IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT LEAVING TRACES (We see the remnants of his influence). COMPLETENESS IS WHOLENESS, INCOMPLETENESS IS FRAGMENTS (Only remnants of the plan survived).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'remnants' LEAST appropriate?