What does respite mean?
Respite is a formal word for a short period of rest, relief, or release from pressure. It commonly describes a pause in difficult circumstances, such as a break in demanding work, a lull in conflict, or temporary relief from financial or legal obligations. The word carries a reassuring but qualified connotation: the problem has not disappeared, but there is an opportunity to recover or continue. Because “respite” sounds more formal and literary than “break” or “pause,” it is especially useful in journalism, formal writing, and descriptions of hardship or relief. Although the noun is the familiar modern form, “respite” can also be used as a rare or archaic verb meaning to take a break or grant a temporary release.
A short period of rest, relief, or release from a difficult situation or obligation.
"The ceasefire provided much-needed respite from the fighting."
The noun is the usual modern form and is more common in formal or literary contexts.
To take a respite or to grant a temporary release or relief.
"The court respited the payment of the defendant's debts."
The verb is rare and largely archaic in current English.
The plural is used when referring to separate periods of relief or temporary releases.
"The workers received brief respites throughout the afternoon."
A respite is not an escape from the problem—it is a pause that makes the next effort possible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does respite come from?
Respite entered Middle English from Old French respit, a word derived from Latin respectus. Latin respectus came from respicere, literally “to look back,” and developed meanings connected with consideration and regard. The same Latin root also underlies cognates such as respect, respectful, and respective.
Related word forms
How respite is actually used
Respite is formal and slightly literary. It often implies that the difficult situation remains and must eventually be faced again.
Easily confused with respite
A residue is what remains after something has been removed or used, whereas a respite is a temporary period of rest or relief.