The spelling of the word "re mains" can be a bit confusing for English learners. The pronunciation of this word is /rɪˈmeɪnz/, with the stress on the second syllable. The first part of the word, "re," is a prefix meaning "again" or "back." The second part, "mains," is the plural form of "main," meaning "chief" or "primary." Together, "re mains" means "what is left over," or "what remains after other parts have been removed or used."
The term "remains" can be used in various contexts and has multiple definitions. One commonly used meaning of "remains" refers to the leftover or unaltered parts or elements of something that has been changed, destroyed, or removed. Typically, it implies the remnants or residue that continue to exist after the majority or main portion of something has been eliminated. For example, in archaeology, the remains of ancient structures, like ruins or foundations, provide insights into past civilizations.
"Remains" can also refer to the deceased body of a human or an animal. In this sense, it often specifically denotes the bodily fragments or remnants after death, such as bones or ashes. The term is frequently associated with funeral or forensic contexts when discussing the physical remnants of a deceased individual.
Additionally, "remains" can describe what is left or still present after a particular process or action has occurred. For instance, when investigating a crime scene, forensic experts may collect and analyze the remains of material evidence, such as fingerprints or DNA samples. Moreover, it can be used metaphorically to signify traces or evidence of a previous state, condition, or activity. For instance, abandoned buildings may show remains of past occupancy or use.
In summary, "remains" can refer to leftover or unaltered parts or elements following a change or removal, the bodily remains of a deceased individual, or remnants and traces of previous states or activities.
The word "remains" has a Latin origin. It comes from the Latin term "remainēre", which is a combination of the prefix "re-" (meaning "again" or "back") and the verb "manēre" (meaning "to stay" or "to remain"). The word "remainēre" eventually evolved into the Middle English term "remaynen", which further developed into the modern English word "remains".