reminder
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪmˈaɪndə/
US
- /riˈmaɪndər/
Description
- prompt to remember
- helpful nudge
- memory cue
- notice about something
A reminder is anything that prompts you to recall something—an appointment, a task, or even a cherished memory. It's like a little nudge from the present to the past (or future!). You might set a phone alarm as a reminder for a meeting, find an old photograph serving as a reminder of a happy vacation, or have a specific smell act as a reminder of your grandmother's kitchen.
Reminders aren't always intentional. A song on the radio can be a reminder of a first love, and seeing a certain color might remind you of a childhood toy. They help us navigate our busy lives and hold onto things that matter. Think of it like leaving little breadcrumbs to follow back to important thoughts or events!
A reminder is something that helps you remember information, an event, or a task. It can take many forms—from a simple note scribbled on paper to a complex digital notification. For example: "The calendar app sent me a reminder about my dentist appointment," or "The scent of cinnamon always serves as a reminder of the holidays."
Reminders aren't just for practical things like appointments and deadlines. They can also be emotional triggers, bringing back memories or feelings. A particular song might be a reminder of a special moment in your life, or a certain place could remind you of someone you miss.
A reminder can be something you give, send, see, hear, or feel. You can send a reminder email before a meeting, leave yourself a reminder on the fridge, or notice that an object serves as a reminder of an earlier time in your life. In each case, the idea is the same: something brings a thought back to your mind or tells you not to forget it.
In the context of technology, reminders are often automated—your phone might remind you to take medication, or an app might suggest revisiting a saved article. But even these digital prompts rely on the same basic principle: helping us keep track of what's important and preventing things from slipping through the cracks. So, whether it's a sticky note, a song, or a smartphone alert, a reminder is anything that brings a thought back into your conscious awareness.
Examples
- 1
Phone alert
I set a reminder on my phone for my dentist appointment.
- 2
Helpful prompt
Thanks for the reminder - I almost forgot to pay the bill.
- 3
App notifications
The app sends reminders every morning until you reply.
- 4
School deadline
The teacher sent a reminder about the homework deadline.
- 5
Polite reminder
Just a reminder, the meeting starts at nine tomorrow.
Usage
Just a reminder, ...
a polite way to repeat important information
- 6
Personal memory
That old photo is a reminder of the summer we lived by the sea.
Pattern
a reminder of + person/event
something that makes you remember them or it
- 7
Memory aid
I left a note by the door as a reminder to take my keys.
Pattern
a reminder to + verb
something that helps you remember an action
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- remindernoun
Forms
- reminderspluralnoun