• Relief

    Pronunciation

    • IPA: /ɹɪˈliːf/
    • Rhymes: -iːf

    Origin 1

    From Old French relief ("assistance"), from Old French relever ("to relieve"), from Latin relevare ("to raise up, make light"). See also relieve.

    Full definition of relief

    Noun

    relief

    (plural reliefs)
    1. The removal of stress or discomfort.
      I sighed with relief when I found out that my daughter hadn't got lost, but was waiting for me at home.
      • 1898, Winston Churchill, The Celebrity Chapter 5, Although the Celebrity was almost impervious to sarcasm, he was now beginning to exhibit visible signs of uneasiness,.... It was with a palpable relief that he heard the first warning notes of the figure.
    2. The feeling associated with the removal of stress or discomfort.
      • 1907, w, The Dust of Conflict Chapter 20, Tony's face expressed relief, and Nettie sat silent for a moment until the vicar said “It was a generous impulse, but it may have been a momentary one,....”
    3. The person who takes over a shift for another.
      Officer Schmidt can finally go home because his relief has arrived.
    4. Aid or assistance offered in time of need.
    5. (legal) Court-ordered compensation, aid, or protection, a redress.
    6. A lowering of a tax through special provisions; short for tax relief.

    Synonyms

    Derived terms

    Origin 2

    From Italian rilevare ("to raise"), from Latin relevare ("to raise").

    Noun

    relief

    (plural reliefs)
    1. A type of sculpture or other artwork in which shapes or figures protrude from a flat background.
    2. The apparent difference in elevation in the surface of a painting or drawing made noticeable by a variation in light or color.
    3. The difference of elevations on a surface.The relief on that part of the earth's surface.

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