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View synonyms for respite

respite

[ res-pit ]

noun

  1. a delay or cessation for a time, especially of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief:

    to toil without respite.

    Synonyms: recess, rest, hiatus

  2. temporary suspension of the execution of a person condemned to death; reprieve.

    Synonyms: postponement, stay



verb (used with object)

, res·pit·ed, res·pit·ing.
  1. to relieve temporarily, especially from anything distressing or trying; give an interval of relief from.

    Synonyms: alleviate

  2. to grant delay in the carrying out of (a punishment, obligation, etc.).

    Synonyms: suspend, postpone

respite

/ ˈrɛspɪt; -paɪt /

noun

  1. a pause from exertion; interval of rest
  2. a temporary delay
  3. a temporary stay of execution; reprieve


verb

  1. tr to grant a respite to; reprieve

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Derived Forms

  • ˈrespiteless, adjective

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Other Words From

  • un·respit·ed adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of respite1

First recorded in 1200–50; (for the noun) Middle English respit, from Old French, from Latin respectus “action of looking back, consideration, regard”; (for the verb) Middle English respiten, from Old French respitier, from Latin respectāre “to await, keep looking around,” from respicere “to look back”; respect

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Word History and Origins

Origin of respite1

C13: from Old French respit , from Latin respectus a looking back; see respect

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Example Sentences

I struggle with the same financial and mental challenges as non-autistics, and the suffering we are all enduring is far too steep a price to pay for a temporary respite from my acting gig as a neurotypical person.

Sports have prevailed, however, and despite some jarring changes, the major sports leagues have managed to provide a respite from the news and keep fans cheering, even if they have to do so remotely.

For the winter break, Barber’s assignments include taking a respite from technology, spending time with family, eating good food, reading a book for fun, getting outside and performing a random act of kindness.

Heads quickly turned to the right-wing Twitter alternative Parler—which seemed to be a logical place of respite for the digitally de-throned president.

From Quartz

From prelift power breakfasts to apres-ski steaks in an Old West saloon, here’s where to eat when you’re not on the slopesSun Valley, Idaho, has been a favorite adventure getaway and celebrity respite for almost a century.

From Eater

Scientific observation, rather than being a place of respite from fear, itself has become something else to rail against.

The Michigan waiver benefits include, besides the staff at home, respite care and environmental adaptations.

There is no respite from the destruction as I drive into the UNRWA compound.

He admits that drugs may have saved his life early on because they offered respite from the sadness.

Jimmy Fallon's uncontainable glee is a welcome respite from late night's usual smarm and snark, but that's Fallon's thing.

On the whole,91 it may be seriously doubted whether the respite extended beyond a couple of months, or even six weeks.

He had a moment's respite now, for Fortunio stung—though lightly was not likely to come again until he had others to support him.

Under Gordian and Philip a respite was again granted to the persecuted church.

I never slept, except by day, when exhausted nature at length claimed some respite.

We can also understand the eagerness with which the Roman welcomed a respite from civic and social duties.

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respirometryrespite care