relic
REL-ik
/ˈrel.ɪk/
An object, custom, or belief surviving from an earlier time, often venerated for its sacred or sentimental association.
Carries an emotional, holy, or poignant sense of survival against time, distinct from a generic scientific artifact.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'relique' and Latin 'reliquiae', meaning 'remains' or 'things left behind', derived from 'relinquere' (to leave behind—the same root as 'relinquish'). Originally applied to physical remains of saints.
Word relationships
- keepsake: A keepsake is a personal memento, while a relic often carries historical or religious reverence.
- vestige: A vestige is a small remaining trace of something that is disappearing, whereas a relic is a surviving object.
- novelty: A novelty is a brand-new, modern item designed for contemporary interest.
Commonly confused with
- artifact: Artifacts are studied objectively by archaeologists; relics are venerated emotionally or spiritually for their historical connection.
Collocations
- sacred relic
- holy relic
- relic of the past
- ancient relic
Idioms & expressions
- a relic of a bygone era
Example sentences
- "Pilgrims traveled long distances to see the holy relic displayed within the cathedral sanctuary." Religious history
- "The typewriter on his desk was a charming relic of a bygone era before personal computers." Metaphorical usage
Memory hook
RELIC comes from RELINQUISH — something LEFT behind by history. A sacred piece left behind.
When not to use
Do not call a newly manufactured replica a relic; a relic must genuinely survive from an earlier era.
Fun facts
- The English verb 'relinquish' shares the exact same Latin root ('relinquere') as the noun 'relic'.
Explore more words
memento, shrine, sentimental, memorabilia, remembrance, keepsake
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