Remainder

Definition

Remainder refers to the part of something that is left when the other parts have been used, consumed, or removed.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈmeɪndər/
• Respelling: ri-MAYN-der (with "ri" as in "rid," "MAYN" as in "main," and "der" as in "her")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈmeɪndə/
• Respelling: ri-MAYN-duh (similar to American English, with "ri" as in "rid," "MAYN" as in "main," and "duh" as a softer ending)

In both dialects, "remainder" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, "MAYN." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating each component of the word with emphasis on the "MAYN" syllable.

Etymology

Derived from the Middle English term "remaunder", from Anglo-Norman "remaindre", based on Latin "remanere", which means "to remain". It can be broken down into "re-" (again) and "manere" (to stay).

Derivatives

• Remaindered
• Remaindering
• Remainder-man
• Nonremainder
• Pre-remainder

Synonyms

• Residue
• Residual
• Remnant

Antonyms

• Whole
• Entirety
• Totality

Usage

"Remainder" is commonly used in mathematical contexts to refer to the amount left over after division when one number cannot be exactly divided by another. It can also pertain to what's left of something after a certain portion has been removed or used.

Related Terms

• Surplus
• Excess
• Division
• Leftover
• Surfeit

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A part or quantity that is left after the greater part has been used, removed, or destroyed.
• Example: After the sale, the remainder of the stock was donated to charity.

• The number left over when one number is divided by another (used especially in contexts where both numbers are integers).
• Example: When 15 is divided by 4, the quotient is 3 with a remainder of 3.

• An estate in property that takes effect and gives possession to a third party on the termination of some prior estate, such as when a life interest ends.
• Example: The property was left to his wife for her lifetime, and the remainder to his son.