remains
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the parts of something that are left after the rest has been taken, used, or destroyed.
the parts or portions of something that are left over after the main part has been removed, consumed, or destroyed.
Simple“The remains of our picnic were still scattered across the grass.”
In context“The remains of the abandoned factory stood as a grim reminder of the town's industrial decline.”
UsageAlways used in the plural form.
- 02 C1 Advanced
the body of a person or animal after they have died.
the physical body of a deceased person or organism; often used as a more respectful or formal term than 'corpse'.
Simple“The soldier's remains were returned to his family for a proper burial.”
In context“Forensic experts were called to the site to identify the human remains discovered during the excavation.”
UsagePlural-only noun.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
objects or buildings from the past that still exist today.
the surviving parts of ancient structures or civilizations, typically of archaeological interest.
Simple“We visited the remains of an old Roman temple during our holiday.”
In context“Archaeologists spent decades uncovering the remains of the ancient city, revealing a sophisticated network of stone aqueducts.”
UsagePlural-only noun.
Usage remains one · remains unclear · remains ongoing
“The National Transportation Safety Board said it had found a bird’s remains and feathers on a broken engine.”
“Whether Chelsea would actually turn down one of the biggest transfer offers in history - if it came a few days later - remains to be seen.”