Relief
rɪˈliːf
Definitions
4 meaningsThe state of being freed from pain, worry, or difficulty; a feeling of reassurance and relaxation.
rɪˈliːf
A feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or pain.
The news of the missing child's safe return brought immense relief to the family.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're waiting for your exam results, super nervous! When you finally see that you passed, you feel AMAZING – that happy, relaxed feeling is relief!
👶 For kids: Feeling good when something bad stops.
More Examples
After a long day of work, a hot bath provided much-needed relief.
The rain brought relief from the scorching heat of the summer day.
How It's Used
"She felt a great sense of relief when she heard the news."
"The medication provided immediate relief from the pain."
Assistance in the form of money, food, or other aid given to people in need.
rɪˈliːf
Aid given to those in need.
International aid organizations rushed to provide relief to the earthquake victims.
💡 Simply: Imagine a flood has destroyed people's homes. Relief is when people send food, water, and help to those who have lost everything.
👶 For kids: Helping people when they need it.
More Examples
The charity distributed food and clothing as a form of relief to the homeless.
The government implemented tax relief measures to help businesses during the recession.
How It's Used
"The organization provided relief to the victims of the disaster."
"The government offered financial relief to those affected by the economic downturn."
A method of sculpture in which the figures project from a supporting background.
rɪˈliːf
A form of sculpture in which the design projects from a flat background.
The artist specialized in creating bas-relief sculptures.
💡 Simply: Imagine a flat wall with a design carved into it, so the design sticks out a little bit. That's a relief sculpture!
👶 For kids: Pictures that stick out from a flat thing.
More Examples
The ancient temple was decorated with elaborate relief panels.
The coin featured a beautiful relief of the queen.
How It's Used
"The museum displayed a collection of ancient relief sculptures."
"The facade of the building was adorned with intricate relief carvings."
The act of taking over the work or duties of someone else, or the person who does this.
rɪˈliːf
The act of taking over from another person to do their work.
The police officer went on relief after a long patrol.
💡 Simply: When someone is tired or needs a break, someone else takes over their job. That's relief!
👶 For kids: Taking over someone else's job or helping them.
More Examples
The substitute teacher provided relief for the regular teacher.
The doctor scheduled a relief so that they could take a day off
How It's Used
"The night shift provides relief for the day shift staff."
"The troops awaited their relief after months of deployment."
Synonyms
Comfort
Easing
Reassurance
Aid
Assistance
Charity
Help
Carving
Backup
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
seek relief
To try to find a solution to a problem or to get help to end pain or difficulty.
"The company sought relief from its debt by restructuring its loans."
Tax relief
Reduction of taxes or decrease in the amount that someone has to pay.
"The government proposed tax relief to stimulate the economy."
From Old French *relief* (12th century), from *relever* (“to raise, lift up”), from Latin *relevare* (“to lighten, alleviate”).
The word 'relief' has been used since the 12th century and initially referred to the act of raising or lifting. Its meaning expanded over time to include the sense of alleviation and aid.
Memory tip
Imagine a weight being lifted off your shoulders – that's relief!