reprieve

USAGE SUMMARY

"reprieve" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use the word "reprieve" to refer to a relief from a difficult situation or to a delay of punishment. For example: "After months of waiting, Lisa was given a reprieve when her sentence was commuted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Legia's attempt to have the decision overturned was rejected, giving Celtic their reprieve, and prompting Legia's owner Dariusz Mioduski to write on Twitter: "Unfortunately for now football is not winning … We are going to CAS".

The Guardian - Sport

Science industry leaders have said they are "very relieved" by reports an infrastructure fund that supports more than two dozen research facilities will be given a two-year lifeline in next week's federal budget, but warned the "short-term reprieve" would not stem the flow of Australian scientists overseas.

The Guardian

Loss-making Prisa, the owner of El País, has been repairing its balance-sheet and has won a reprieve from its bankers.

The Economist

The FSA may enjoy its reprieve only until the next election.

The Economist

Verizon and other broadband providers have thus won a reprieve from the FCC's net-neutrality rules, perhaps forever.

The Economist

Commodity firms were given a reprieve on March 4th by hopes of a big stimulus package in China though all they got was reaffirmation of the country's 8% growth target.

The Economist

Mr Tusk won a reprieve, with a promise that the outs could join in a special "euro plus" group.

The Economist

Or has President Vladimir Putin just offered the Iranians a reprieve from the diplomatic pressure that has been building ever since their long-hidden nuclear activities were first discovered three years ago?In September, the 35-nation board of the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEAA), the UN's nuclear watchdog, formally found Iran "in non-compliance" with nuclear safeguards.

The Economist

It seems there will be no reprieve from the "relay-race", a journey undertaken by far too many women before them, and one that must surely confirm the gloomier predictions about Putin's Russia.

The Guardian

The reprieve was short-lived, however, as Daniel Ayala barged McCormack over during the next attack and the Scot dispatched the penalty himself.

The Guardian - Sport

The chief executive of Science and Technology Australia, Catriona Jackson, said she was "very relieved" by the reports but that the money was only a "short-term reprieve".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, remember that "reprieve" often implies an official action, such as a postponement of a sentence. In more general contexts, it can refer to any form of temporary relief.

Common error

Avoid using "reprieve" when you actually mean a complete and permanent resolution to a problem. "Reprieve" specifically denotes a temporary suspension, not a final solution.

Linguistic Context

The word "reprieve" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a temporary suspension or cancellation of a punishment or a period of relief from something difficult. Ludwig examples show its usage in legal and general contexts, as explained by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reprieve" is a versatile word primarily used as a noun to signify a temporary break or suspension of something challenging, such as a punishment or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and frequently employed in various contexts. It is often encountered in news and media, formal business documents, and scientific writing, where it serves to denote temporary relief and foster a sense of lessened immediate pressure. When writing, ensure that "reprieve" accurately represents a temporary state, avoiding its use when a permanent solution is intended. Consider alternative expressions like "temporary respite" or "stay of execution" to precisely convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary respite

Focuses on the temporary nature of the relief, similar to "reprieve".

stay of execution

Specifically refers to the postponement of a punishment, particularly a death sentence, closely related to one meaning of "reprieve".

deferment of sentence

Highlights the action of delaying a sentence, resembling a "reprieve" in a legal context.

brief abatement

Emphasizes the short-term reduction in something negative, akin to a "reprieve" from hardship.

short-term relief

Stresses the limited duration of the positive change, mirroring the temporary aspect of a "reprieve".

temporary suspension

Indicates that something has been put on hold for a limited time, similar to a "reprieve" from obligation.

postponement of penalty

Highlights the delaying of an imposed penalty, sharing the legal connotation of "reprieve".

breathing space

Suggests a period of relaxation or freedom from pressure, much like a "reprieve" from stress.

hiatus in hardship

Focuses on the break or pause in difficult circumstances, reflecting the relieving effect of a "reprieve".

cessation of suffering

Emphasizes the ending of pain or distress for a limited period, echoing the comforting aspect of a "reprieve".

FAQs

How can I use "reprieve" in a sentence?

You can use "reprieve" to describe a temporary break from something difficult or unpleasant, such as "The rain offered a brief "reprieve" from the summer heat" or a delay in punishment, such as "The governor granted a "reprieve" to the prisoner".

What words are similar to "reprieve"?

Synonyms for "reprieve" include "respite", "abatement", "suspension", and "hiatus". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "reprieve" to describe a delay in a non-legal context?

Yes, while "reprieve" is often used in legal contexts to refer to the postponement of a sentence, it can also be used more broadly to describe any temporary relief or postponement of something difficult or unpleasant. For example, "The unexpected funding provided a "reprieve" for the struggling project".

What's the difference between "reprieve" and "pardon"?

A "reprieve" is a temporary suspension or delay of a punishment, whereas a "pardon" is a complete forgiveness of the crime and cancellation of the punishment. A "reprieve" offers temporary relief, but a "pardon" is permanent.