respite

USAGE SUMMARY

'respite' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to a short break from something difficult or unpleasant. For example: "The storm offered us a short respite from the sweltering heat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rooms from £140 (marrakech-riad.co.uk/riad-star-homepage/) Le Palais Paysan This modern retreat opened in the foothills of the Atlas mountains this summer, offering respite from the heat and hustle of Marrakech, 25km away.

The Guardian - Travel

Of course, lying on a beach or in a hammock has always offered something of a respite from the rat race.

The Guardian - Travel

But respite care is lacking at the moment.

The Guardian

The brief respite – only 1 32 – allowed 20-year-old Vasilevskiy to become the goaltender of record and ultimately get the win in the Stanley Cup final.

The Guardian - Sport

The carers may actually need more help – either some respite or to go on a "caring and coping" course.

The Guardian

There is much to be said for the simple provision of respite – a safe, warm place to be away from the stresses of life.

The Guardian

That brought a respite, but only for a while.

The Guardian - Business

The hipster event of the summer, Night + Day London follows shows in Berlin and Lisbon, which is to say places you might go on holiday were you so jaded as to want a respite from the non-stop japes on offer in your favoured east London quarter-mile.

The Guardian - Music

Alistair and Jonny Brownlee have called for an overhaul of the international triathlon calendar as they prepare to take some respite from an exhaustive summer schedule.

The Guardian - Sport

Coffee shops offer Britons a respite from the "feeling of austerity" in the current economy, explains Young: "Coffee shops continue to be important to consumers who visit as part of their desire to socialise and have a regular affordable treat".

The Guardian - Business

Currently, the hottest thing in a glass is Elixir Tonic's Liquid Yoga, an apricot-flavoured drink that's 'great for those needing a respite from angst, distress and worry' and can't be bothered to do their sun salutations.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "respite" when you want to emphasize a temporary break from something stressful, painful, or challenging. It's particularly effective when the relief is much needed and provides a significant contrast to the preceding difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "respite" when you intend to describe a complete and lasting solution to a problem. "Respite" implies a temporary break, not a final resolution. For example, do not say "This law offers a respite to poverty" when the intended meaning is to eliminate poverty.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "respite" is as a noun, denoting a temporary period of relief or rest. It can also function as a verb, meaning to postpone. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "respite" functions primarily as a noun signifying temporary relief or a break, with occasional usage as a verb meaning to postpone. Ludwig AI confirms that "respite" is a correct and common word choice. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings, though its presence is less pronounced in academic or encyclopedic sources. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "temporary relief" or "short break" to convey a similar meaning. Remember, "respite" implies a temporary pause, not a permanent solution, so use it judiciously. Finally, while generally neutral in tone, "respite" tends towards a more formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary relief

Focuses on the alleviation of something burdensome for a limited time.

interval of relief

Similar to temporary relief but broader in scope.

brief recess

Emphasizes the short duration of the break.

temporary reprieve

Implies a postponement of something unpleasant, often with legal or formal connotations.

short break

A more casual and general term for a pause.

momentary pause

Highlights the fleeting nature of the interruption.

short interlude

Suggests a brief and often pleasant interruption.

period of rest

Emphasizes the relaxation aspect of the break.

time out

A more informal and often playful way to refer to a break.

ceasefire

Specifically used in contexts of conflict or intense disagreement to denote a temporary cessation of hostilities.

FAQs

How can I use "respite" in a sentence?

You can use "respite" to describe a temporary break or relief from something difficult. For example, "The weekend offered a welcome "respite" from the pressures of work" or "The ceasefire provided a brief "respite" from the fighting."

What are some synonyms for "respite"?

Some synonyms for "respite" include "relief", "break", "pause", and "reprieve". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

"Respite" specifically implies a temporary suspension or delay of something burdensome, whereas "relief" is a more general term for the alleviation of pain or distress. "Respite" often suggests a scheduled or anticipated break.

Is "respite" a formal or informal word?

"Respite" is generally considered a neutral to formal word. While appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, alternatives like "break" or "time out" might be more suitable for very informal situations.