reminder

The word “reminder” means something that makes you remember or think of something else. In plain terms, anything — an object, note, or message — that jogs your memory.

“Reminder” is pronounced rih-MYN-duh (/ɹɪˈmaɪndəɹ/ in IPA).

Here is “reminder” used in a sentence: “The scar was a permanent reminder of the accident.”

“Reminder” is a noun.

“Reminder” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Reminder” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something that makes you remember or think of something else.

A reminder is anything that prompts you to remember something you might otherwise forget, such as an appointment or an unpaid bill. A notification is simply an alert that information has arrived; it becomes a reminder only when its purpose is to make you act on something due. In everyday tech use the two overlap, but 'reminder' stresses the memory-jogging function.

Use 'a reminder of' when the thing brings a memory or feeling to mind, as in 'a reminder of happier times.' Use 'a reminder about' or 'a reminder to' when the message prompts action, as in 'a reminder about the meeting' or 'a reminder to pay the bill.' Both prepositions are correct, but they fit different senses of the word.

Frequent collocations include 'set a reminder,' 'send a reminder,' 'gentle reminder,' 'friendly reminder,' and 'quick reminder.' The adjectives 'gentle' and 'friendly' soften a prompt about something due so it sounds polite rather than demanding. 'Set a reminder' is the standard phrase for scheduling an alert on a phone or calendar.

Use 'reminder' when the aim is to help someone remember something they already know about, like a due date or a memory. Use 'prompt' when you are cueing an action or response for the first time. A reminder repeats a known point, while a prompt can introduce a fresh cue.