re ‧ mind ‧ er /rɪˈmaɪndə $ -ər/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ mind , ↑ minder , ↑ reminder ; adjective : ↑ mindless , ↑ minded , ↑ mindful ; verb : ↑ mind , ↑ remind ; adverb : ↑ mindlessly ]
1 . something that makes you notice, remember, or think about something
reminder of
a reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving
reminder that
Occasional bursts of gunfire are a reminder that the rebels are still active.
constant/painful/vivid etc reminder
The damaged church was preserved as a stark reminder of the horrors of war.
The drop in stock prices serves as a reminder (=is a reminder) that investing is a form of gambling.
2 . something, for example a letter, that reminds you to do something which you might have forgotten:
a reminder from the dentist for your check-up
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COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ a constant/permanent reminder (=that makes you think about something all the time)
Peter's letters to me are a constant reminder of the happiness we shared.
▪ a timely reminder (=a useful reminder of something important)
This is a timely reminder to people that they should be careful with strangers.
▪ a salutary reminder (=one that teaches you something)
The earthquake in China is a salutary reminder of how fragile human existence can be.
▪ a painful/uncomfortable reminder
This violence is a painful reminder that peace is still a long way away.
▪ a stark/sharp reminder (=strong or unpleasant)
This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers police officers face every day.
▪ a vivid reminder (=strong)
Their performance was a vivid reminder of just why this band has remained so successful.
▪ a powerful/potent reminder
The soldiers' deaths are a powerful reminder of the price we pay for freedom.
▪ a poignant reminder (=making you feel sad)
I see Kathy's death as a poignant reminder that we sometimes really are powerless.
▪ a grim/sobering/chilling reminder (=making you feel serious and worried or frightened)
They passed the armed guard, a grim reminder of the ever-present threat of terrorism.
▪ a gentle reminder
It was meant to be a gentle reminder rather than a criticism.
■ verbs
▪ serve as/act as a reminder (=be a reminder)
The photograph will serve as a lovely reminder of your visit.
▪ provide/offer a reminder
The case has provided a chilling reminder of how violently some people react to foreigners.