top of page

Claim your free ebook

Website Image.jpg

antiquity,curio

eb68db_94e1c0e4607b4e748117471506eea5b7.mp3

artifact, novelty, new item, innovation

artifact,heirloom,memento,remains,remnant,souvenir,vestige

Admiration and Respect, Disappearance and Loss, Mystery and Mastery, History and Nostalgia

relic

IPA

How to pronounce relic (audio)

share

Dictionary definition of relic

An object or item that is believed to have a special or sacred significance due to its connection to a particular person, event, or time period.
"The archeologist was thrilled to discover a relic from an ancient civilization."

Detailed meaning of relic

Relics can include physical objects such as bones, clothing, or personal possessions of a revered person, or they can be objects associated with a significant event, such as a religious relic or artifact. Relics are often treated with reverence or as objects of veneration, and they may be the focus of religious pilgrimages or used in religious ceremonies. The term 'relic' is often associated with religious traditions, but it can also be used more broadly to refer to any object or artifact that is considered to be of historical or cultural significance. Overall, relics are objects that are imbued with symbolic or spiritual meaning, and they serve as a tangible link to the past and a source of inspiration or devotion for the present.

Example sentences containing relic

1. The cathedral is home to a collection of holy relics, including the bones of saints.
2. The museum's collection includes relics from all over the world and throughout history.
3. The necklace was a relic passed down through generations of the family.
4. The relic of the True Cross is one of the most venerated artifacts in Christianity.
5. The artifact was a relic of the Viking Age and provided valuable insights into their culture and technology.
6. The relic of the Buddha's tooth is a sacred object in Buddhism and a focus of pilgrimage.

History and etymology of relic

The noun 'relic' has an etymology that can be traced back to the Latin word 'reliquiae,' which means 'remains' or 'remnants.' In ancient Rome, 'reliquiae' was used to refer to the remains of saints and martyrs, particularly their bones or other bodily fragments, which were considered sacred. These objects held special significance due to their connection to revered individuals or events. Over time, the word 'relic' evolved in both Latin and later in English to encompass a broader sense of any object or item believed to have special or sacred significance because of its association with a particular person, event, or time period. Thus, when we speak of a 'relic' today, we are drawing on its historical connection to objects revered for their link to the past and their spiritual or historical importance.

Quiz: Find the meaning of relic

Try Again!

Correct!

Further usage examples of relic

1. The castle's tower was once used to house relics and treasures of the ruling family.
2. The relic was carefully transported to its new home in a special case to protect it from damage.
3. The book was a relic of the Renaissance, containing rare illustrations and manuscripts.
4. The relic of the Prophet Muhammad's hair is a revered artifact in Islamic culture.
5. The bracelet was a relic of the Victorian era, and it had been handed down through the generations of the family.
6. The ancient relic, steeped in mystery, captivated historians and treasure hunters alike.
7. Pilgrims sought solace in the revered religious relic displayed in the sacred shrine.
8. The archaeologist meticulously cataloged the significant artifacts unearthed at the dig site.
9. The museum's collection included a diverse array of relics, each with its own historical tale.
10. The relic, believed to hold healing powers, drew pilgrims from far and wide.
11. The shipwreck's relics provided a glimpse into the maritime history of a bygone era.
12. The explorer's relic, a weathered map, hinted at hidden treasures in uncharted lands.
13. The relic, a tattered love letter, evoked emotions from a distant time and place.
14. The scientist studied the relic, a preserved insect in amber, for insights into ancient ecosystems.
15. The relic, a vintage car, was a symbol of an era marked by style and craftsmanship.
16. The relic, an old telescope, was once used by an astronomer to gaze at distant stars.
17. The artist's studio contained relics of creative genius—paint-splattered brushes and worn

bottom of page