WordGarden.iorelief
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪlˈiːf/
US
- /riˈlif/
Meanings
Noun
the feeling of relaxation when worry, pain, or stress ends
the easing of pain, discomfort, or other physical suffering
aid or official help given to people facing hardship, disaster, or heavy costs
More meaningsFewer meanings
a person or group that replaces another on duty or in action
sculpture or carving in which figures project from a flat background
Beyond the definition
Imagine carrying a heavy backpack for miles. Finally taking it off brings relief—a soothing feeling of comfort as the weight lifts. But relief isn't just about physical burdens! It can also be the easing of worry or sadness. If you've been anxiously awaiting test results, getting a good grade provides immense relief.
The word comes from roots meaning "to raise up" or "to lighten." You might offer relief to someone in need, like donating to a charity after a natural disaster. Relief can also be something that provides that ease—a pain reliever, for example. Think of it as anything that lightens a load, whether that load is physical, emotional, or practical.
Relief is the feeling of comfort and the lessening of pressure when something unpleasant stops or improves. It is the sweet sensation experienced after enduring hardship, worry, or pain. For example, "A cool breeze brought relief from the scorching heat," or "She felt a wave of relief wash over her when she heard her child was safe."
Relief can be experienced in many ways. Physical relief might come from taking medicine for a headache, while emotional relief could follow a sincere apology after a long argument. It is often tied to a sense of release—like letting out a breath you didn't realize you were holding.
The word also functions as a noun referring to assistance or support, especially in times of crisis. "The aid organization provided much-needed relief to the earthquake victims" means they offered help and resources to alleviate suffering. You can even find "comic relief" in stories—moments of humor that temporarily lighten a heavy or serious situation.
Relief can also mean a person who takes over for someone else, usually for a short time. A relief teacher, for example, steps in when the regular teacher is absent. In a more specialized sense, "relief" refers to a type of artistic technique in which carved figures stand out from a flat background, such as on coins, buildings, or stone monuments. But in everyday language, the word is most often connected to the easing of burdens and the sense of ease that follows. Whether you are talking about physical sensations, emotional states, acts of charity, or someone stepping in to help, relief is all about making a difficult situation easier.
Examples
- 1
Family worry
She felt a wave of relief when her son finally called.
- 2
Good news
It was a relief to hear that the mistake could be fixed.
- Patternit was a relief to + verb
this made someone feel less worried
- 3
Lucky outcome
Much to our relief, the hotel still had one room left.
- Phrasemuch to our relief
this happened and made us feel relieved
- 4
Spoken reaction
"What a relief," he said, putting down his bags.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Pain treatment
The new treatment gave her some relief from the pain.
- Patternrelief from + pain/problem
less pain, stress, or another problem
- 6
Emotional support
Talking to a friend was a relief after such a difficult day.
- 7
Disaster aid
Several aid groups sent emergency relief after the storm.
- Domainemergency relief
food, medicine, money, and other help after a disaster
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- relief from pain
- a sense of relief
- feel relief
- breathe a sigh of relief
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- reliefnoun
Forms
- reliefspluralnoun