WordGarden.ioremain
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪmˈeɪn/
US
- /riˈmeɪn/
Meanings
Verb
to continue to be present, true, or in the same state or place
to be left over after the rest are gone, used, or removed
Beyond the definition
To remain means to stay in a place or condition, or to continue to exist. Think of embers remaining after a fire dies down: they are still there even though the flames are gone. You might remain calm under pressure, or remain loyal to a friend. It often suggests that something stays the same even when other things change. It can also mean "to be left over," like crumbs remaining on a plate after a meal.
The word "remain" speaks to the idea of continuing in a state or place, even when things around you are changing. It is often close to stay, but it can also suggest that something continues through change. For example, "Despite the heavy rain, only a few determined fans remained at the outdoor concert." Here, it is not just about physical presence; it also gives a feeling of holding on.
"Remain" can also describe something that is left over after part of something has been used, taken away, or removed. "After sorting through the old photos, just a handful remained in the box." In this sense, the word points to what is still there after the rest is gone.
The word often carries a quiet sense of resilience or steadiness. You might say "She remained hopeful despite her illness," showing that her hope stayed with her through a hard time. Or, "The mystery remains unsolved," meaning the puzzle still has no answer.
So whether it is about physical presence, a feeling or condition that continues, or something left behind after part of it is gone, to remain is to keep being there.
Examples
- 1
Leftovers
Only a few cookies remained after the party.
- 2
Emotional state
She remained calm during the interview.
- 3
Friendship
Despite the move, they remained close friends.
- 4
Opening hours
The museum will remain open until 8 p.m.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Safety instruction
Please remain seated until the bus stops completely.
- Phraseremain seated
stay sitting
- 6
Location
He remained in bed all morning.
- 7
Unsolved problem
After months of discussion, one problem still remains.
- 8
Unclear cause
It remains unclear why the train was delayed.
- Patternit remains unclear + question clause
it is still not clear
- 9
Pending work
Much work remains to be done before we can launch.
- Patternremains to be done
still needs to be done
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- remainverb
Forms
- remainsverb
- remaining-ing formverb
- remainedpast tenseverb