English Reference
verb · adjective · noun

resting

v. · adj. · n.
US /ˈɹɛstɪŋ/ rest·ing UK spelling restinging

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    v.taking a break to get your energy back or sleeping.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Medicine

    adj.staying still and not doing anything at the moment.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  3. 03 C1 Advanced HumorousBritish EnglishInformal Theatre

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate LiteraryFormal

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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


re- + sting

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated