ENGLISH
REFERENCE

resting

v. · adj. · n.
US //ˈɹɛstɪŋ// rest·ing
  1. 1 relaxing or sleeping (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    taking a break to get your energy back or sleeping.

    the act of ceasing work or movement in order to relax, sleep, or recover strength.

    Example

    The doctor said he should be resting at home after his surgery.

    Example

    After completing the marathon, she spent the remainder of the weekend resting her muscles and hydrating properly.

  2. 2 not moving or active (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Medicine

    staying still and not doing anything at the moment.

    being in a state of inactivity, sleep, or tranquility; often used to describe a baseline physical state.

    Example

    Your resting heart rate is usually lower when you are calm.

    Example

    The technician measured the patient's resting metabolic rate to determine how many calories they burned while completely still.

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  1. 3 unemployed (actors) (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Humorous British English Informal Theatre

    a polite or funny way to say an actor does not have a job right now.

    a euphemistic and often humorous term used specifically within the performing arts to describe an actor who is currently unemployed.

    Example

    He is a resting actor who currently works in a café while waiting for his next big role.

    Example

    The pub was full of resting actors discussing their recent failed auditions and the scarcity of television work this season.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun 'actor' or used as a subject complement.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a classic British 'theatrical' euphemism; using it for other professions like 'a resting plumber' would be seen as a joke.

  2. 4 a place of peace (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary Formal

    a place where someone is buried or where they find final peace.

    a state or place of final repose, typically used in the phrase 'resting place' to refer to a grave.

    Example

    The old churchyard was a quiet resting place for the village ancestors.

    Example

    The explorers finally discovered the ancient king's final resting place deep within the hidden valley.

Origin

re- + sting

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