English Explanatory Dictionary

respite

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A brief interval of rest or relief.
  2. A reprieve, especially from a sentence of death.
  3. The delay of appearance at court granted to a jury beyond the proper term.
  4. A short period of spoken dialogue in an otherwise sung-through musical.
verb
  1. To delay or postpone (an event).
  2. To allow (a person) extra time to fulfil some obligation.

Pronunciation

/ˈɹɛsˌpaɪt/ /ˈɹɛs.pɪt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-respite.wav

Word forms

respite respites respiting respited

Etymology

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

Synonyms

hiatus moratorium recess break breather cessation demurral gap caesura halt halting interregnum interruption lapse pause respite resting stoppage stopping suspension comfort relief solace alleviation consolation ease liss release

Derived words

respite care respiteless
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