remainder 🔊
Meaning of remainder
The part of something that is left after the other parts have been used, removed, or destroyed.
Key Difference
While 'remainder' refers to what is left after a part has been taken away, its synonyms may imply different contexts such as residue (often in chemistry), leftovers (food), or remnants (fragments).
Example of remainder
- After dividing the pizza among friends, the remainder was just one slice.
- The remainder of the book was so engaging that I finished it in one sitting.
Synonyms
residue 🔊
Meaning of residue
A small amount of something that remains after the main part has gone or been taken or used.
Key Difference
Residue often refers to a trace or leftover material, especially in scientific or chemical contexts, whereas 'remainder' is more general.
Example of residue
- The residue in the test tube indicated a chemical reaction had occurred.
- After the fire, a sticky residue covered the walls.
leftovers 🔊
Meaning of leftovers
Food remaining after a meal.
Key Difference
Leftovers specifically refer to uneaten food, while 'remainder' can apply to any remaining part.
Example of leftovers
- We packed the leftovers from dinner to eat the next day.
- The fridge was full of leftovers from the party.
remnant 🔊
Meaning of remnant
A small remaining quantity of something, often a fragment or surviving trace.
Key Difference
Remnant implies a surviving piece of something larger that is mostly gone, often used for fabrics or historical artifacts.
Example of remnant
- A remnant of the ancient wall still stands in the city center.
- She used a remnant of silk to make a small handbag.
balance 🔊
Meaning of balance
The remainder after deductions or the amount left over.
Key Difference
Balance is often used in financial contexts to denote what remains after transactions, unlike the general use of 'remainder'.
Example of balance
- The balance in his account was just enough to cover the bill.
- After paying the rent, her bank balance was nearly zero.
surplus 🔊
Meaning of surplus
An amount of something left over when requirements have been met.
Key Difference
Surplus implies an excess beyond what is needed, while 'remainder' is neutral about whether the leftover is useful or not.
Example of surplus
- The store sold the surplus stock at a discount.
- After the harvest, they had a surplus of wheat.
excess 🔊
Meaning of excess
An amount of something that is more than necessary, permitted, or desirable.
Key Difference
Excess has a negative connotation of being more than needed, whereas 'remainder' is neutral.
Example of excess
- The excess fabric was trimmed off the dress.
- He donated the excess food to a shelter.
remains 🔊
Meaning of remains
The parts left over after other parts have been removed, used, or destroyed.
Key Difference
Remains often refers to what is left after decay or destruction, such as archaeological remains, while 'remainder' is more general.
Example of remains
- The remains of the ancient temple attract many tourists.
- Only the charred remains of the house were left after the fire.
rest 🔊
Meaning of rest
The remaining part of something.
Key Difference
Rest is more informal and often interchangeable with 'remainder', but it can also refer to relaxation.
Example of rest
- She ate half the cake and saved the rest for later.
- The rest of the team arrived an hour later.
leavings 🔊
Meaning of leavings
Things that have been left as worthless.
Key Difference
Leavings often implies something discarded or unwanted, unlike the neutral 'remainder'.
Example of leavings
- The leavings from the feast were thrown away.
- He sifted through the leavings of the garage sale.
Conclusion
- The word 'remainder' is a versatile term for what is left after part of something is removed or used.
- Residue is best used in scientific contexts where trace amounts are discussed.
- Leftovers should be used specifically for food that remains uneaten.
- Remnant is ideal for describing surviving fragments, especially in historical or fabric contexts.
- Balance is the correct term for financial leftovers after transactions.
- Surplus should be used when referring to an excess beyond what is needed.
- Excess implies an undesirable overabundance.
- Remains is fitting for what is left after destruction or decay.
- Rest is a casual alternative to 'remainder' in everyday speech.
- Leavings refers to discarded or unwanted remnants.