Word
respite
US/ˈɹɛspɪt/
UK/ɹˈɛspaɪt/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a short break or period of rest from something difficult or unpleasant.
n. a short period of rest or relief from something difficult, tiring, or unpleasant. Often used to describe a temporary delay in a legal sentence or a pause in suffering.
Examples
“The rain offered a brief respite from the summer heat.”
“The new law provides a much-needed respite for small businesses struggling with rising energy costs.”
“The judge granted a brief respite in the execution of the order, allowing the family more time to find alternative housing before the eviction took place.”
Examples
simple
“The rain offered a brief respite from the summer heat.”
contextual
“The new law provides a much-needed respite for small businesses struggling with rising energy costs.”
complex
“The judge granted a brief respite in the execution of the order, allowing the family more time to find alternative housing before the eviction took place.”
Usage
Often used in the pattern 'respite from' or 'without respite'. Uncountable when referring to the general state of relief; countable when referring to a specific instance or period.
Real-World Examples
“The forecast offers a welcome respite after a series of extreme wildfires that have claimed seven lives in recent weeks.” “Rockefeller Center's rooftop terrace gardens in New York City were designed in the 1930s to hold trees, grass, shrubs and seating areas, providing parklike respites far above the traffic.” Etymology
From Anglo-Norman and Old French respit (“rest”), from Latin respectus. Doublet of respect.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/respite