ENGLISH
REFERENCE

relief

n. · adj.
US //ɹiˈɫif// UK //ɹɪlˈiːf// re·lief
  1. 1 feeling of comfort (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the happy or relaxed feeling you have when something unpleasant stops or does not happen.

    the feeling of reassurance or relaxation following the release from anxiety, pain, or distress.

    Example

    It was a huge relief to hear that everyone was safe after the storm.

    Example

    She breathed a profound sigh of relief when the test results finally arrived, confirming that the tumor was benign and no further surgery was required.
  2. 2 reduction of pain (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of making pain or a problem less severe.

    the alleviation or removal of a physical or mental burden, such as pain or financial debt.

    Example

    This new medicine provides quick relief from muscle aches.

    Example

    The government proposed a series of measures aimed at providing immediate debt relief to small businesses struggling in the current economic climate.
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  1. 3 humanitarian aid (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    food, money, or help given to people who are in a very bad situation, like a war or natural disaster.

    assistance, especially in the form of food, clothing, or medical supplies, provided to those in urgent need or experiencing a disaster.

    Example

    Charities are sending emergency relief to the victims of the earthquake.

    Example

    International relief agencies struggled to coordinate the delivery of supplies to the remote mountainous regions affected by the flooding.
  2. 4 a replacement person (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a person who takes over someone else's work or shift so they can rest.

    a person or group that replaces another on duty; the act of taking over a shift or post.

    Example

    The night nurse waited for her relief to arrive before she went home.

    Example

    The weary sentry scanned the horizon, anxiously awaiting the arrival of his relief so he could finally return to the barracks for sleep.
  3. 5 raised art or surface (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    a type of art where the shapes stick out from a flat background.

    a sculptural technique where the figures or design elements are raised above the background plane.

    Example

    The ancient stone walls were decorated with beautiful carvings in relief.

    Example

    The bronze doors featured intricate scenes from classical mythology cast in high relief, creating deep shadows that added to the dramatic effect.
  4. 6 legal redress (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

    help or protection given by a court of law.

    legal redress or assistance granted by a court, such as an injunction or compensation.

    Example

    The company is seeking legal relief to stop the competitor from using its logo.

    Example

    The plaintiffs sought injunctive relief to prevent the developer from proceeding with the construction until a full environmental impact study was completed.
  5. 7 acting as a substitute (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Dialect

    describing someone who does a job when the usual person is away.

    serving as a temporary substitute for another professional, particularly in education or healthcare.

    Example

    The school had to hire a relief teacher for the week.

    Example

    The hospital relies heavily on relief staff during the winter months when permanent employees are frequently absent due to illness.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun.

    Teacher's tip

    Commonly used in Australia and New Zealand as 'relief teacher'; in the UK, 'supply teacher' is more frequent.
Etymology 1

From Old French relief (“assistance”), from Old French relever (“to relieve”), from Latin relevare (“to raise up, make light”). See also relieve.

Etymology 2

From Italian rilievo, from rilevare (“to raise”), from Latin relevō (“to raise”).

Word family
Idioms2 entries

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