Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Respite

//ˈɹɛsˌpaɪt// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A brief interval of rest or relief. countable, uncountable

    "I crave but four day's respite."

  2. 2
    a pause from doing something (as work) wordnet
  3. 3
    A reprieve, especially from a sentence of death. countable, uncountable

    "Thenne spake sir gawayn and sayd my lord Arthur I wold counceylle yow not to be ouer hasty but that ye wold putte it in respyte this Iugement of my lady the quene for many causes. "Then spake Sir Gawaine, and said: My lord Arthur, I would counsel you not to be over-hasty, but that ye would put it in respite, this judgment of my lady the queen, for many causes.""

  4. 4
    the act of reprieving; postponing or remitting punishment wordnet
  5. 5
    The delay of appearance at court granted to a jury beyond the proper term. countable, uncountable
Show 4 more definitions
  1. 6
    an interruption in the intensity or amount of something wordnet
  2. 7
    A short period of spoken dialogue in an otherwise sung-through musical. countable, uncountable
  3. 8
    a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort wordnet
  4. 9
    a pause for relaxation wordnet
Verb
  1. 1
    To delay or postpone (an event). transitive
  2. 2
    postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution wordnet
  3. 3
    To allow (a person) extra time to fulfil some obligation. transitive

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Anglo-Norman and Old French respit (“rest”), from Latin respectus. Doublet of respect.

Etymology 2

From Anglo-Norman and Old French respit (“rest”), from Latin respectus. Doublet of respect.

See also for "respite"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: respite