reminder
UK[rɪˈmaɪndə(r)]US[rɪˈmaɪndər]
n
Something that makes you think about or remember something else.
n
A message or note that tells you about something you must do at a particular time.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
mind
er
re
again
mind
think
er
agent/thing
Etymology
The word "reminder" is built upon the verb "remind", which itself fuses the Latin prefix "re-" (meaning "again") with the Old English noun "mind". The core concept is to bring a thought or memory back to someone's mind. The agent suffix "-er" is then added, shifting the focus from the action to the object or person that causes the remembering. This logical construction—something that causes (er) one to think again (re) about something in their memory (mind)—perfectly captures its dual modern meanings: a prompt for recollection or a notification for future tasks. Its transparent morphology makes it an excellent example of how English combines classical and Germanic elements to create clear, functional vocabulary.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + mind (think) + er (agent/thing)
- re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
- mind: Old English (ge)mynd, meaning "memory, thought, intention". In this compound, it functions as the core root meaning "to think/remember".
- er: Old English suffix -ere/-or, used to form agent nouns indicating "a person or thing that performs an action".
Examples
The old photograph served as a poignant reminder of her childhood.
I set a calendar reminder for the dentist appointment next week.
The monument stands as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.