Definition
Respite refers to a temporary break or relief from a difficult or stressful situation.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
Relief, break, pause, interval, intermission
Antonyms
Continuation, persistence, prolongation, perpetuation
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | respites, respite |
| Verb | respiting, respite, respited, respites |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The exhausted athletes welcomed the respite between the two halves of the match.
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After a week of working long hours, she finally got a respite when her boss allowed her to take a day off.
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The rainy weather provided a brief respite from the scorching heat.
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The caregiver was grateful for the respite care that allowed her to take a much-needed break from caring for her loved one.
Usage
Respite is often used in situations where there is a need for a break or relief from a continuous or difficult situation. It can refer to a pause in activity or work, as well as a temporary cessation of a problem or stressor. The word is commonly used in the context of caregiving, where respite care refers to short-term care services provided to caregivers to give them a break from their responsibilities.
Respite is a noun that comes from the Latin word respicere, which means “to look back.” The word originally referred to a delay in legal proceedings that allowed the accused to prepare their defense. Today, the word is used more broadly to refer to any temporary break or relief from a difficult or stressful situation.
Respite can be used with various prefixes and suffixes to modify its meaning. For example, the prefix “re-” can be added to create the word “respited,” which means to grant a delay or a reprieve from a punishment. The suffix “-ful” can be added to create the word “respiteful,” which means characterized by or showing a lack of sympathy or understanding.
Overall, the word respite is commonly used in situations where individuals or groups need a temporary break or relief from a challenging or difficult situation. It is a versatile word that can be modified with prefixes and suffixes to create new meanings and variations.