relief

[rɪˈliːf]

relief Definition

• 1. a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress
• 2. the removal or lightening of something oppressive, painful, or distressing
• 3. a person or group of people replacing others who have been on duty

Using relief: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "relief" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The news of his safety was a great relief to his family.

• Example

  The medicine brought some relief from the pain.

• Example

  The relief workers arrived just in time to help the victims.

relief Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for relief

• comfort
• ease
• alleviation
• solace
• assistance

Antonyms for relief

• burden
• problem
• discomfort

Idioms Using relief

• breath of relief

  a sigh or deep breath taken after a stressful situation has ended

  Example

  After the presentation was over, she let out a breath of relief.

• to one's relief

  something that is a source of comfort or ease

  Example

  To her relief, the test was easier than she had expected.

• take relief

  to take a break or rest from a task or duty

  Example

  He took relief from his post after working for six hours straight.

Phrases with relief

• feeling of relief

  a sense of comfort and ease that follows the removal of a burden or problem

  Example

  She felt a great feeling of relief after finishing her exams.

• comic relief

  humorous content or character in a serious work that provides a temporary break from tension or drama

  Example

  The clown's performance provided some much-needed comic relief in the intense play.

• pressure relief valve

  a safety device designed to release pressure from a system when it exceeds a certain level

  Example

  The pressure relief valve on the boiler prevented an explosion.

Origins of relief

from Old French 'relief', meaning 'assistance'

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Summary: relief in Brief

The term 'relief' [rɪˈliːf] refers to the removal or lightening of something oppressive, painful, or distressing. It can also denote a person or group of people replacing others who have been on duty. Examples include 'The news of his safety was a great relief to his family.' and 'The relief workers arrived just in time to help the victims.' Phrases like 'comic relief' and idioms like 'breath of relief' add nuance to the term.