What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
heirloom
Example
This ring has been in our family for generations, it's a precious heirloom. [heirloom: noun]
Example
My grandmother's quilt is an heirloom that I will always cherish. [heirloom: adjective]
relic
Example
The museum has a collection of relics from the Roman Empire. [relic: noun]
Example
The church displays relics of saints for visitors to see. [relic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heirloom is more commonly used in everyday language than relic. Heirloom is often used to describe treasured possessions that have been passed down through generations of a family, while relic is more commonly used in a historical or religious context.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between heirloom and relic?
Relic is often associated with a formal or academic tone, while heirloom is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
