relief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is expressing a sense of alleviation or comfort from distress or discomfort. Example: "After hearing the good news, I felt a wave of relief wash over me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Money

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But instead of feeling vindication, or at least relief for having told their stories, some of these women are now filled with dread, because Kevin Donovan – the Toronto Star investigative reporter with whom I reported the allegations against Ghomeshi – is writing a "tell-tale, behind the scenes" book about Ghomeshi's "secret life".

The Guardian - Opinion

That the party concerned is the Social Democratic Labour party (SDLP) throws into sharp relief that the de facto coalition of Irish nationalist forces has split.

The Guardian

There are 700 in Afghanistan and it is right that on occasions such as the Olympic Games, or in times of national emergency such as flood relief, they provide support, ideally based on their professional skill set.

The Guardian

The win by two runs, he says, inspired relief in the England dressing room rather than joy – just as failing to win in Cardiff hugely frustrated the Australians three weeks ago.

The Guardian - Sport

Firstly, because a great many first-time sufferers might not suspect that relief can come from books as well as boxes of pills.

The Guardian

Kuether told Guardian Australia she was overwhelmed with relief at the news, which came a day before her case was due back in the Brisbane magistrates court.

The Guardian

With eyes watering in the sharp wind, it was a relief to shelter under a high bank by the river, where dog violet, barren strawberry and thyme clung to the crumbly debris.

The Guardian

Away from my own home landscape of sheep and wheat, there was a certain relief in the grapevines and fruit trees which lined the road.

The Guardian

If Greece was not a member of the euro, but rather a struggling country in sub-Saharan Africa, the IMF remedy would be devaluation, debt relief and a welfare safety net to protect the most vulnerable.

The Guardian - Business

Everything was done to avert that prospect and when it was called off the relief in Downing Street was palpable: "The news was announced this afternoon and represents a massive blow to [Arthur] Scargill," read the "secret and personal"' daily coal report for Wednesday 24 October.

The Guardian

The most likely to receive broad bipartisan support – brought by the Republican chair of the Senate foreign relations committee, Bob Corker – would prevent sanctions relief for 60 days, providing Congress space to review the deal, which is due to be completed at the end of June.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a feeling of "relief", consider specifying the source or cause of that relief for greater clarity. For example, instead of simply saying "I felt relief", specify "I felt relief after the test was over".

Common error

Avoid using "relief" interchangeably with words like "happy" or "excited". While "relief" can bring positive feelings, it specifically denotes the alleviation of negative feelings or stress. Therefore, ensure the context involves a prior state of discomfort or anxiety.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "relief" is as a noun, referring to the feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety, distress, or pain. Ludwig's examples showcase this in various contexts, such as feeling "relief" after receiving good news.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relief" is a versatile noun used to describe the alleviation of stress, discomfort, or pain. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. While it can sometimes be interchanged with words like "comfort" or "alleviation", it's important to ensure the context involves a prior state of negativity. To enhance clarity, specify the source or cause of the "relief". By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "relief" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mitigation of suffering

A formal way of expressing the reduction of pain or distress.

alleviation of distress

This phrase is a more formal way of expressing the reduction of suffering.

reduction in stress

Directly addresses the lowering of psychological or emotional tension.

easing of discomfort

This phrase emphasizes the reduction of physical or emotional unease.

lessening of pain

Focuses on the decrease in physical or emotional suffering.

sense of comfort

This focuses on the positive feeling experienced after the removal of stress.

respite from worry

Highlights a temporary break from anxiety and concerns.

feeling of reassurance

Highlights the aspect of being freed from anxiety or doubt.

support during crisis

Emphasizes the help and assistance given during a critical situation.

aid in hardship

This phrase emphasizes the assistance provided during difficult times.

FAQs

How can I use "relief" in a sentence?

You can use "relief" to express the alleviation of stress or discomfort. For example, "She sighed with "relief" after hearing the good news" or "The medicine provided "relief" from the pain".

What are some alternatives to the word "relief"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "comfort", "alleviation", "ease", or "respite".

Is it correct to say "relief from" or "relief of"?

Both "relief from" and "relief of" are grammatically correct and can be used depending on the context. "Relief from" is often used to describe the removal of a burden or source of stress, while "relief of" can refer to the easing of a specific condition or symptom.

What is the difference between "relief" and "release"?

"Relief" implies the alleviation of something negative, such as pain or stress. "Release", on the other hand, suggests a freeing or liberation, which may or may not involve prior discomfort. For example, you might feel ""relief"" after a headache subsides, but experience "release" upon completing a project.