respite

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) A brief interval of rest or relief.
2. (countable, uncountable) A reprieve, especially from a sentence of death.
3. (countable, uncountable) The delay of appearance at court granted to a jury beyond the proper term.
4. (countable, uncountable) A short period of spoken dialogue in an otherwise sung-through musical.

Verb

1. (transitive) To delay or postpone (an event).
2. (transitive) To allow (a person) extra time to fulfil some obligation.

Synonyms

rest

reprieve

break

recess

delay

pause

relief

intermission

adjournment

interval

suspension

lull

breathing space

postponement

hiatus

repose

postpone

abatement

leisure

relaxation

interlude

set back

procrastinate

adjourn

prorogue

hold over

put off

rest period

defer

abeyance

deferment

stay

breather

breathing-space

time out

truce

abortion

breathing time

stall

stillness

surcease

suspend

time limit

tranquility

vacation

reposal

breathing place

time for consideration

caesura

calm

Translations

descanso

respiro

repos

répit

tregua

pausa

pause

pausa

respiro

Pause

pausa

repouso

trêve

descans

suspensão

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɹɛˌspaɪt/

Etymology

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