Definition

Something that is left over or remains after the rest has been used or taken away.

Example

After the storm, only a remnant of the old barn was still standing.

Conversation

Did you see the remnant of the old building on the corner?

Yeah, it's interesting how some parts are still standing.

I wonder what it used to look like before it was demolished.

It must have been beautiful, but now it's just a remnant of the past.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A small part or piece that is left after the main part has been used or removed.

Example

After the quilt was made, there was a remnant of fabric left over.

Conversation

I found a remnant of that old fabric we used for the curtains.

Oh, really? I thought we used it all up!

Yeah, it’s just a small piece, but I’m thinking of making something with it.

Root Explanation

Remnant → It is formed from "rem" (from Latin "remanere", meaning to remain) and "-ant" (a suffix used to form adjectives or nouns indicating an agent or something that performs an action). The word "remnant" refers to something that remains after the main part has been removed or destroyed.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'remains' ('rem') after the rest is gone — that's what a remnant is.

Visually Confused Words