Meaning
A relic is an object from the past that has survived through time and is valued for its historical, cultural, or religious significance. It can also mean something outdated that remains from an earlier period.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Noun
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Countable noun: a relic / relics
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Often used with reference to history, archaeology, or religion.
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Common patterns:
- a relic of … (something remaining from a period)
- holy relic (in religious contexts)
Common Phrases
- ancient relic – an old artifact from history.
- religious relic – a sacred object connected to a saint or holy figure.
- a relic of the past – something outdated that has survived into the present.
- cultural relic – an artifact that represents cultural heritage.
Collocations
- discover a relic
- preserve a relic
- an ancient relic
- a relic of history
- a relic of the Cold War
Examples
- The archaeologists uncovered a relic from the Roman Empire.
- This old typewriter is a relic of my grandfather’s youth.
- The museum proudly displays relics from the medieval period.
- Some people consider landline telephones relics of the past.
- Pilgrims traveled from afar to see the holy relic.
- The ruined castle stands as a relic of a once-powerful kingdom.
- That law is a relic of an earlier age and should be updated.
- The temple holds relics believed to belong to ancient monks.
Synonyms or Related
- artifact
- antique
- heirloom
- memento
- remnant
Antonym
- innovation
- novelty
- modern invention