Relic

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1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation

Relic (noun) = an object surviving from the past, especially one of historical or religious significance, OR something outdated that belongs to an earlier time.

Relic is a word that bridges reverence and dismissal — it can describe something precious and historically valuable, or something hopelessly outdated that should have disappeared long ago.

The original meaning is religious. In Christianity, relics are physical remains or personal belongings of saints — bones, clothing, objects they touched. These were considered sacred and were kept in churches, attracting pilgrims who believed they had miraculous powers. This meaning still exists, and you’ll encounter it in historical and religious contexts.

The broader meaning refers to any object from the past that has survived into the present. Archaeological relics are artefacts discovered from ancient civilisations. Family relics are treasured items passed down through generations. These relics are valued because of their age and connection to history.

The most common modern usage is metaphorical and often dismissive. When you call something a “relic,” you’re saying it’s outdated and no longer relevant. An old computer is a relic. Outdated laws are relics of a different era. A person with old-fashioned views might be called a relic. This usage suggests something has outlived its usefulness and belongs in a museum rather than modern life.

The phrase “a relic of the past” is extremely common and can be neutral (simply describing something old) or critical (implying something should no longer exist).

Examples from the street:

• “This typewriter is a relic from my grandfather’s office” → it’s an old object preserved from his working days
• “That law is a relic of the Victorian era and needs updating” → the legislation is outdated and belongs to a past age
• “He’s a bit of a relic — still refuses to use email” → he’s old-fashioned and hasn’t adapted to modern ways

2. Most Common Patterns

• a relic of + time period/era → something surviving from a specific past time
• a relic of the past → something outdated belonging to an earlier age
• a relic from + place/time/person → an object originating from somewhere or someone
• cultural/historical/religious relic → an artefact of significance in these domains
• holy/sacred relic → an object of religious veneration
• treat something as a relic → regard something as outdated or museum-worthy

3. Phrasal Verbs

Note: There are no common phrasal verbs directly containing “relic” — these are related expressions:

• hang on to → keep something, often for sentimental reasons

  Example: “She hangs on to these relics from her childhood even though she never uses them.”

• pass down → transfer something to the next generation

  Example: “The family relic has been passed down for five generations.”

• do away with → abolish or get rid of something outdated

  Example: “It’s time to do away with these relics of an unfair system.”

4. Example Sentences

1. The museum houses relics from the Roman Empire, including coins and pottery

   → The institution displays artefacts surviving from ancient Rome.

2. This fax machine is a relic of the past — nobody uses these anymore

   → This device is completely outdated and has been replaced by modern technology.

3. The cathedral claims to possess a sacred relic — a fragment of the true cross

   → The church says it holds a holy object from the crucifixion of Christ.

4. Some of our employment laws are relics of the industrial age and desperately need reform

   → Certain workplace regulations are outdated remnants from factory-era thinking.

5. My grandmother’s ring is a family relic that I’ll treasure forever

   → The jewellery is a precious heirloom passed down through generations.

6. He treats his vinyl record collection like holy relics — nobody’s allowed to touch them

   → He regards his albums as sacred objects that must be protected.

7. The building itself is a relic of 1960s architecture — all concrete and sharp angles

   → The structure is a surviving example of mid-century design style.

8. Some people consider traditional banks to be relics now that everything is digital

   → Certain observers view physical banking as outdated in the age of online finance.

9. The abandoned factory stands as a relic of the town’s industrial heritage

   → The disused plant remains as evidence of the area’s manufacturing past.

10. These attitudes are relics of a bygone era and have no place in modern society

    → These views belong to the past and shouldn’t exist in contemporary life.

5. Personal Examples

1. Some grammar rules taught in textbooks are relics of an older, more formal English that native speakers rarely use today

   → Certain structures found in coursebooks are outdated remnants from a more rigid version of the language.

2. My first English dictionary — a huge paper volume — is now a relic sitting on my shelf, replaced entirely by online tools

   → My original reference book has become an outdated object, made obsolete by digital resources.

6. Register: Neutral

✔ Native usage tips

• “A relic of the past” is the most common phrase — it works for anything outdated, from technology to attitudes to institutions
• Calling something a relic can be affectionate (treasured old objects) or dismissive (outdated rubbish) — context and tone determine which
• Calling a person a relic is usually humorous but can be insulting — it suggests they’re hopelessly out of touch
• The religious meaning is still alive in historical and Catholic contexts — relics of saints remain important in many traditions

✔ Similar expressions / words

• Artefact → more neutral and archaeological; relic adds emotional weight (reverence or dismissal)
• Antique → old and valuable; usually positive, unlike relic which can be dismissive
• Remnant → what remains of something larger; less focused on age than relic