Respite Definition – Meaning and Usage In A Sentence

In your quest to become a better English speaker, learning to use new words in your writing and speaking comes in handy. You must have realized that most of the time, people use “respite” confidently, not knowing that they are misspelling or mispronouncing this particular word. What can you say is the best respite definition, and how well can you use this word in different contexts?

The word respite is defined as giving someone a moment of temporary rest or relief from work. The words adjournment, caesura, break hiatus, or interlude are suitable synonyms to use in place of respite. Use the word in your context to indicate “pause, relaxation, breather, or stoppage.”

If you’re still trying to figure out what this word means, worry no more and keep reading this article. In addition to the various meanings, this article will also cover the best ways of using “respite” correctly and confidently. You will also come across some sentences with “respite” to help you practice. Ready for this? Let’s dive in!

What Is the Definition of Respite?

The standard definition of the word respite is a break or pause from performing challenging tasks. This word applies when someone or something is performing heavy or complex tasks that can wear out or injure without taking a break. 

A perfect example of respite is a couple of construction workers out on a lunch break. Here’s an example in a sentence: Scientists worked for hours without respite until a COVID-19 vaccine was available for testing.

The word respite is suitable for describing a reasonable delay before something unpleasant begins or continues. This definition is most applicable in a situation when some short calm or relief is achieved between periods of conflict.

For instance, a couple arguing may find respite when a friend visits. The couple may continue arguing after the friend leaves. Another sentence: The respite was brief, and no sooner had his girlfriend left the apartment than the friends continued fighting.

“Respite” is also suitable when describing a moment of delay or postponement of an action scheduled to happen. This definition is used when a decision to complete a specific task has been made, but actualization is delayed for certain reasons.

For instance, the postponement of carrying out a death sentence is an excellent example of respite. Despite its delay, the death sentence will still be carried out. Another sentence: Due to mechanical failure, the death sentence failed, giving the inmate respite to tell his mother that he loved her.

What Is The Meaning of Respite?

Respite also means temporary rest or relief from pain, hurt, or discomfort. This applies when a person or animal experiencing pain is granted a short moment of calm or rest. 

It’s best applicable in medical scenarios where doctors offer respite to patients experiencing discomfort or pain. In a sentence: When Andrew started having anxiety attacks, the doctors injected him with a drug to offer him some respite.

“Respite” is also suitable when describing an interruption or reduction in the amount or volume of something. If something has reduced in size, weight, or volume, it’s said to have been given respite.

For instance, a reduction of swelling or reduction in temperature is an example of respite. In a sentence: A reduction in body temperature characterized the respite in the child.

What Is the Difference between Respite and Relief?

Respite means to give brief or temporary moments of rest after strenuous activity, whereas relief means the complete removal of stress or discomfort.

These two words are often used in place of the other and even used as synonyms. Despite people confusing these words, their definitions set them apart. While relief is the complete removal of pain or unpleasantness, respite offers temporal relief, meaning the pain will continue after this break. Thus, in conclusion, the words respite and relief have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.

How to Use Respite in a Sentence

When used as a noun, respite describes a break meant for relaxation, brief relief from harm, or pausing from heavy work.

Example sentences:

• The children found respite from the summer heat by swimming in the pool.
• Among the perks I get while working with the company is a two-month respite from work.

As a verb, respite describes postponement or delay in carrying out an order or a sentence.

Example sentences:

• The COVID-19 pandemic served as a respite for the felon waiting for his sentencing.
• The turbulent weather made it hard for the soldiers to be deployed, offering them some respite.

10 Examples of Respite Usage in a Sentence

So far, we’ve tackled the many definitions of the word respite and how to use it in sentences. Next, we’ll have a look at the following ten sentences to help you understand how to use the word in different contexts. Practice reading these sentences to improve your confidence in using the word.

1. The officers decided not to take the risk during their short respite by closing the doors to keep off any wild animals.
2. The town was able to proliferate during the respite from the civil war.
3. After walking in the desert for hours, the soldiers took a respite to rest their weary bodies before resuming their journey.
4. The doctor gave Sandra painkillers to offer her some respite from the constant headaches she’s been getting.
5. Remember to give the drill some respite to prevent it from overheating and help it work properly.
6. Manchester City has continued their winless form after their short respite; the players returned from international duties the other day.
7. The running out of ammunition gave the allied forces brief respite from the constant attacks.
8. The respite was cut short when the friend left, leaving them to their arguments.
9. Thousands of people download his meditation sessions and use them to achieve a brief respite from life’s hectic pace.
10. Children need to have some time outdoors to respite from constant studies.

How Do You Spell Respite?

The term respite is spelled r.e.s.p.i.t.e.

Remember to add the letter “e” when spelling respite because it’s silent and is quickly forgotten.

How Do You Pronounce Respite?

“Respite” is pronounced [reh.spuht] or [reh.spite].

The above pronunciations are American and British, respectively. They have different areas where stress is applied to syllables. Remember to constantly practice saying this word and listen to experts pronounce it to learn more.

Synonyms Of The Word “Respite”

• Interruption
• Break
• Reprieve
• Recess
• Layoff

Antonyms Of The Word “Respite”

• Go
• Continuation
• Hold
• Star
• Advance

How Many Syllables Are In Respite?

The word respite has two syllables; re. spite.

History & Etymology of Respite

In the mid-13th century, the old French word respite was used to describe a moment of time extended for an action to be completed. The word respite also traces its roots from the Latin word respectus, meaning to give consideration, regard, or look back.

The word later meant to delay respect or reprieve from death in the 14th century. Other definitions were refraining from action, desisting, or granting extra time.

When Was Respite First Used?

The first recorded use of the word respite as an English word was in 1978.

While it may have first been recognized as an English word at this time, the word was used since the 14th century as a noun and as a verb. The word has retained its meaning since then.

Conclusion

Now that you know “respite definition, meaning, and usage,” you don’t have to worry about using the word in your daily conversations or writing. It’s important to practice using the word constantly and refer to this article whenever you need clarification. Go ahead and do further research on using this word from the internet to expand your knowledge.