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

• respiteless adjective
• unrespited 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

His respite, however, was uncannily timed to an onslaught of criticism after CNN revealed that the show’s longtime top writer had been secretly posting vile and hateful comments on the internet for years.

Read more on Salon

It was just a momentary respite from reviewing game video, several hours left to go before he could finally head home.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Gold can’t go up forever, and there are some signs that the precious metal might be due for a respite.

Read more on Barron's

While the ceasefire offers a rare respite, diplomats and analysts alike warn that deep mistrust between Israel and Hamas could quickly unravel the deal, underscoring that a pause in fighting does not yet mean peace.

Read more on Salon

It’s a verdant thicket of spindly branches that towers over a straw-hatted man in the shadow below, no doubt seeking respite from the heat.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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