Word
relic
Phoneticsrel·ic, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɛɫɪk/
UK/ɹˈɛlɪk/
Definitions
01historical object
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. an object from the past that has survived, especially one that helps us understand history.
n. an object, custom, or belief that has survived from an earlier time but is now outmoded or historical.
日本語:遺物※
“The archaeologists found a bronze relic from the Roman Empire buried in the field.”
“The museum's latest acquisition is a rare relic of the industrial revolution, showcasing the transition from manual labour to steam power.”
02religious object
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Religion Formal
n. a part of a holy person's body or one of their belongings, kept as a sacred object.
n. a part of a deceased holy person's body or a personal effect kept as a physical object of religious veneration.
“Thousands of people traveled to the cathedral to see the sacred relic.”
“The ornate gold box was said to contain a relic of the saint, attracting pilgrims from across the continent for centuries.”
Synonyms
03outdated person or thing
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Humorous · Informal
n. a person or thing that is very old-fashioned and does not belong in the modern world.
n. a person or thing that is a surviving trace of a bygone era, often implying they are obsolete or out of touch.
“My grandfather says he feels like a relic because he doesn't know how to use a smartphone.”
“The old typewriter sat on his desk, a charming but useless relic in an office full of high-speed computers.”
Real-World Examples
“Hundreds more people were evacuated from villages in western Germany and south-west France, while stranded holidaymakers were picked up from beaches threatened by flames in Greece and the army rescued historical relics in Spain.” “Apex Court is where he was brought up, filled with relics of his dead parents, and it’s the only home his son has ever known.” Etymology
From Middle English relik et al., from Old French relique, from Latin reliquiae (“remains, relics”), from relinquō (“I leave behind, abandon, relinquish”), from re- + linquō (“I leave, quit, forsake, depart from”). Doublet of relict, derelict, and relinquish.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/relic
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0