relic
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
an object from the past that has survived, especially one that helps us understand history.
an object, custom, or belief that has survived from an earlier time but is now outmoded or historical.
Simple“The archaeologists found a bronze relic from the Roman Empire buried in the field.”
In context“The museum's latest acquisition is a rare relic of the industrial revolution, showcasing the transition from manual labour to steam power.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
a part of a holy person's body or one of their belongings, kept as a sacred object.
a part of a deceased holy person's body or a personal effect kept as a physical object of religious veneration.
Simple“Thousands of people traveled to the cathedral to see the sacred relic.”
In context“The ornate gold box was said to contain a relic of the saint, attracting pilgrims from across the continent for centuries.”
Synonymssacred remainholy object - 03 C1 Advanced
a person or thing that is very old-fashioned and does not belong in the modern world.
a person or thing that is a surviving trace of a bygone era, often implying they are obsolete or out of touch.
Simple“My grandfather says he feels like a relic because he doesn't know how to use a smartphone.”
In context“The old typewriter sat on his desk, a charming but useless relic in an office full of high-speed computers.”
“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.”
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.