respite
RES-pit
/ˈrespɪt/
A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.
Implies a welcome break in the middle of a struggle or a hard task.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'respectus', meaning 'a looking back.' The idea is that you stop what you are doing and 'look back' to take a breath before continuing. It shares the same root as 'respect.'
Word relationships
- break: A break is general; a respite is specifically relief from something 'hard'.
- lull: A lull is a temporary quiet period, often in a storm or a conversation.
- exertion: Physical or mental effort.
- punishment: The infliction of a penalty as retribution.
Commonly confused with
- despite: Despite means 'in spite of'; respite means a 'break' or 'relief'.
Collocations
- brief respite
- welcome respite
- respite care
Example sentences
- "The cool breeze provided a brief respite from the sweltering afternoon heat." Describing a break from weather.
- "The ceasefire offered a temporary respite for the exhausted soldiers." A literary description of war.
Memory hook
Think of 'Rest-pite'—it's a 'pit stop' for 'rest.' A RESPITE is a REST-PIT.
When not to use
Don't use this for a regular vacation; it's specifically for relief from hardship.
Fun facts
- 'Respite care' is a modern medical term for providing temporary relief to primary caregivers of the elderly or disabled.
Explore more words
reprieve, take a break, interlude, solace, repose, recuperate
Also appears in
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