What is remainder? Pronunciation and usage in English

remainder means . Learn how to pronounce and use remainder through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of remainder

remaindernoun

/rɪˈmeɪndə(r)//rɪˈmeɪndər/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "remainder." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. The General Sound:

The word sounds something like "ri-MAH-nur"

2. Syllable Breakdown:

  • ri: Like the "ri" in "ride." (Short "i" sound)
  • MAH: This is the tricky part. It’s a diphthong – a combination of two vowel sounds. It sounds like the “a” in “father.” Think of it as a long “ah” sound.
  • nur: Like "nerve" but with a shorter "e" sound. It's similar to the "er" in "her."

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly: “ri-MAH-nur”

4. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the second syllable, "MAH."
  • Don’t over-stress "ri": The first syllable ("ri") is fairly quick and light.
  • The "ur" sound: Make sure the "ur" sound at the end is clear, almost like a short “er.”

Resources for Hearing it:

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Usage and examples with the word remainder in English

Let's break down how to use the word "remainder" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances. Here's a breakdown of its meanings and how to use it in sentences:

1. The Most Common Meaning: Leftover/What's Left Over

  • Definition: This is the most frequent usage. It refers to the part of something that’s left after some amount has been taken away or used.
  • Grammar: It’s almost always followed by “of” and then the thing that was taken away.
  • Examples:
    • "There was a remainder of cake left after the party." (Cake was taken away, and the remainder is what’s left.)
    • “The remainder of the money will be donated to charity.” (Money was spent, and the remainder is what’s leftover.)
    • "Please throw away the remainder of the vegetables." (Vegetables were used, and the remainder is what's left.)

2. Mathematical Remainder

  • Definition: In math, the remainder is the amount left over when one number is divided by another. It's often represented as "mod."
  • Example:
    • "17 divided by 5 has a remainder of 2." (17 = 5 * 3 + 2) - The '2' is the remainder.
    • "Calculate the remainder of 25 divided by 7." (Answer: 4)

3. Remaining (as an adjective - less common)

  • Definition: “Remainder” can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is left over or remaining.
  • Example:
    • "The remainder of the students finished the test." (Referring to the students who hadn't finished yet.)
    • "He only had a remainder of tissues in his pocket." (Meaning he had just a small amount left.)

4. Remainder (in legal/formal contexts – less common)

  • Definition: Sometimes used to refer to something remaining after a legal decision or distribution. This is less frequent in everyday conversation.
  • Example: “The remainder of the estate will be divided equally among the children.”

Key Tips & Considerations:

  • “Of” is important: When referring to leftovers, almost always use "remainder of [something]".
  • Context is key: Pay attention to whether the sentence is talking about a physical quantity (leftovers) or a mathematical calculation.

Here are some example sentences showing different usages:

  • "After cooking dinner, there was a remainder of vegetables in the fridge." (Leftovers)
  • "The remainder of the day was spent relaxing at home." (Time remaining)
  • "The remainder of the contract stipulates the terms of the agreement." (Legal – less common)
  • "He calculated the remainder of 12 divided by 4, which was 0." (Math)

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Synonyms for the word remainder

Practice with vocabulary remainder

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After paying the initial deposit, the ________ of the payment is due within 30 days.
  2. The chemist observed a dark ________ at the bottom of the beaker after the solution evaporated.
  3. The project team managed to fix the critical bugs, and the ________ of the minor issues will be addressed in the next update.
  4. To achieve career satisfaction, one must find a good ________ between ambition and well-being.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following best describes the portion of something that is left after the main part has been used, taken, or specified? a) surplus b) excess c) remainder d) fragment

  2. In a division problem, if you divide 25 by 7, which option represents the 'remainder'? a) 3 b) 4 c) quotient d) difference

  3. After securing funding for the initial phase, the committee still needs to raise funds for the ________ of the project. a) balance b) duration c) rest d) remainder

  4. Which word refers to the small pieces of waste material or broken bits that are left behind after something has been made or destroyed? a) residue b) debris c) fragment d) remnant

  5. When a company has more assets than liabilities, it reports a financial ________. a) deficit b) surplus c) shortage d) shortfall

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. After the earthquake, only a small part of the old castle wall was still standing. (Rewrite using "remainder")
  2. We completed half the report today; the rest of it will be done tomorrow. (Rewrite using "remainder")
  3. The last part of the speech focused on the company's future vision. (Rewrite without using "remainder" or related forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. remainder
  2. residue
  3. remainder
  4. balance

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) remainder
  2. b) 4
  3. a) balance, c) rest, d) remainder
  4. b) debris
  5. b) surplus

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. After the earthquake, only the remainder of the old castle wall was still standing.
  2. We completed half the report today; the remainder of it will be done tomorrow.
  3. The concluding section of the speech focused on the company's future vision.

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