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: stay, postponement

verb (used with object)

respited, respiting 

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

Other Word Forms

• unrespited adjective
• respiteless adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of respite¹

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

Example Sentences

Perth Stadium is pretty much the fastest, bounciest pitch in the world, so the batters should get a little bit of respite from now on.

Read more on BBC

A respite came this fall when the U.S. made two changes of significance for automakers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The soggy weather that has drenched Southern California since the weekend has mostly moved out of the area, giving residents a brief respite from the rain before another storm moves in later in the week.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But any respite from the reopening was overshadowed by rising concerns over AI stock valuations and receding odds for a December rate cut, leading to stocks’ worst day in a month.

Read more on Barron's

The one-year window granted by the US is nevertheless a valuable respite for Hungarian households this winter.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• breather 
• breathing space 
• downtime 
• hiatus 
• interruption 
• layoff 
• letup 
• lull 
• recess 
• relaxation 
• relief 
• reprieve 
• truce