What does rest mean?
Rest is a common English word with both noun and verb uses. As a noun, it can describe a pause from activity, a state of relaxation, or the portion of something that remains after another portion has been selected or removed. As a verb, it means to stop working or being active, as in resting after a long journey, and can also mean to cause something or someone to stop moving. The word often conveys physical relaxation, although it can also refer to emotional, spiritual, or ceremonial stillness, as in 'rest in peace.' In phrases such as 'the rest of the story,' it refers to what is left. Rest is useful because it captures both a temporary interruption of activity and the broader idea of cessation, recovery, and remaining in place.
A period of inactivity or relaxation; a state of being still; or the portion remaining after something else has been removed or considered.
"She needed a short rest before continuing the journey."
The sense 'remaining portion' is commonly used with 'the' and often appears in expressions such as 'the rest of the week.'
To stop working or being active, or to cause someone or something to stop moving or working.
"The horse rested beneath the shade of the old oak tree."
In literary or formal English, 'rest' can also mean to remain or be left in a particular place.
The plural 'rests' is used for separate periods of relaxation or for individual objects or places where someone can rest; the noun is also commonly used uncountably.
"After the hike, the guides gave the horses several rests."
The word rest preserves the idea of taking a pause: it comes from the same ancient root as remain and restore.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rest come from?
The word comes through Old French from Latin restare, meaning 'to remain' or 'to stay.' In English, its meaning developed from the idea of staying in one place to the modern senses of taking a break, being still, or leaving something in a position. The same Latin root is reflected in cognates such as remain, remainder, restitution, and restore.
Related word forms
How rest is actually used
In its common noun sense, rest is often used for a short break from work or activity, while in phrases such as 'the rest of it' it refers to what remains. As a verb, it commonly means to stop working or to relax; in formal contexts it can mean to remain or to be left in a particular position.
Easily confused with rest
Rest can mean to cease activity or to take a break, whereas rust refers to the reddish-brown corrosion that forms on metal.