respite
Americannoun
-
a delay or cessation for a time, especially of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief.
to toil without respite.
-
temporary suspension of the execution of a person condemned to death; reprieve.
- Synonyms:
- stay, postponement
noun
-
a pause from exertion; interval of rest
-
a temporary delay
-
a temporary stay of execution; reprieve
verb
Other Word Forms
- respiteless adjective
- unrespited adjective
Etymology
Origin of respite
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It brings groups of foster families together so they can provide advice, support and respite care for each other, like an extended family.
From BBC
Prosecuting, Crispin Aylett KC read out Victim Impact Statements from Mr Chapman's family, including one from his father Darren who told the court that work was his only respite from grief.
From BBC
“But David’s case was a welcome respite for all involved.”
Liverpool's faithful old friend the Champions League has provided respite amid their troubles.
From BBC
He expects a good number of names won’t get any respite from the ice, snow, and cold.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
