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remedial

rih-MEE-dee-uhl /rɪˈmiːdiəl/

adjectiveB2IELTSTOEFLSAT

generalacademic

Provided as a remedy or cure; intended to correct learning deficits or assist students who are falling behind.

Addresses gaps in fundamental skills so students can meet standard grade-level expectations.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'remedium', meaning a medicine or cure that restores health ('mederi' = to heal). In 19th-century education, the term was adopted as a medical metaphor for curing academic shortcomings in reading and arithmetic.

Word relationships

corrective: Corrective focuses on fixing an error; remedial focuses on bringing fundamental skills up to standard.
developmental: Developmental is a softer institutional term for remedial courses designed to build prerequisite skills.

advanced: Advanced instruction moves beyond baseline standards, whereas remedial works to reach baseline standards.

Commonly confused with

remediless: Remediless means incurable, whereas remedial means providing a cure or remedy.

Word family

remedy (noun/verb): A cure or solution; to set right or cure.
remediation (noun): The act of providing remedy or academic support.

Collocations

remedial instruction
remedial classes
remedial reading
remedial action

Example sentences

"Remedial education often treats students as if they are lacking rather than capable of complex thought." Educational Sociology
"The school introduced remedial math sessions during summer break to help struggling students catch up." School Programs

Memory hook

REMEDIAL comes from REMEDY—providing an academic cure for learning gaps. Academic remedy for gaps.

When not to use

Avoid using in a derogatory manner toward students; modern educators often prefer terms like 'academic support'.

Fun facts

In legal contexts, 'remedial measures' refer to steps taken to correct environmental damage or policy breaches.