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Meaning & use

reminder

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/rɪˈmaɪndə/
US/rɪˈmaɪndər/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    Something such as a note, alarm or message that helps you remember a task or event.

    Grammar: Often followed by to or about: a reminder to lock the door.

    Patterns

    • a reminder to do something
    • a reminder about something
    • a gentle reminder

    I set a reminder on my phone to call the dentist.

    She stuck a reminder on the fridge.

    The library sent a reminder about the overdue book.

  2. nouncountable

    A thing that makes you think of something from the past or something important.

    Grammar: Often followed by of: a reminder of home.

    Patterns

    • a reminder of something
    • a constant reminder

    The old photograph was a painful reminder of his loss.

    That song is a reminder of our summer in Spain.

    The scar is a lasting reminder of the accident.

  3. nouncountablebusiness

    A letter or notice sent to say a payment or action is overdue.

    Grammar: Used in business, often a final reminder.

    Patterns

    • a final reminder
    • send a reminder

    The utility company sent a final reminder.

    I got a reminder that my subscription had expired.

    The tax office issued a reminder to late filers.

Word forms

pluralreminders

Common combinations

a gentle reminder
This is a gentle reminder that the meeting is at nine.
a timely reminder
The storm was a timely reminder to check the roof.
set a reminder
Set a reminder so you do not forget the form.
a constant reminder
The empty chair was a constant reminder of him.
a stark reminder
The accident was a stark reminder of the risks.
send a reminder
We will send a reminder the day before.

Synonyms and how they differ

prompt
Prompt is a short cue that triggers action or memory, often in computing or theater.
memento
A memento is a keepsake kept for memories, while a reminder can be anything that prompts a thought.
nudge
Nudge is a gentle push to act, less formal than reminder.
souvenir
A souvenir is an object from a place or event, not a message about a task.

Word family

remind verb
to make someone remember
reminded adjective
made to remember
remindful adjective
serving to remind, a rare word

Commonly confused: reminder or remainder?

reminder vs remainder

Remainder is what is left over, as in math; a reminder helps you remember.

Practice

I put a sticky note on my laptop as a ___ to send the report.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “reminder”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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