What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vestige
Example
The ruins of the temple were the only vestige of the ancient civilization. [vestige: noun]
Example
There was a vestige of hope in her heart that things would get better. [vestige: noun]
Example
He could still detect a vestige of his former accent despite years of living abroad. [vestige: noun]
remnant
Example
The remnant of the old castle still stood on the hilltop. [remnant: noun]
Example
The remnant of the cake was too small to share. [remnant: noun]
Example
She found a remnant of her childhood in the attic. [remnant: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Remnant is more commonly used than vestige in everyday language. Remnant is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while vestige is less common and often used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vestige and remnant?
Vestige is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while remnant is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.