WordGarden.iorest
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈɛst/
US
- /ˈrɛst/
Meanings
Noun
sleep, relaxation, or a break from effort
a marked silence of a certain length in music
Verb
to relax or sleep in order to recover energy
to be placed on or supported by something
Pronoun
the remaining people or things
Beyond the definition
Rest is often about stopping for a while so your body or mind can recover. After a long walk, a traveler may need rest before going on. But the word also has another common meaning: it can mean what is left. You might read the rest of the book tomorrow or share the rest of the apples with a friend. In music, a rest is also a moment of silence between notes. So the word can point to a quiet pause, sleep, or the part that remains.
The word "rest" is surprisingly versatile. At its core, it means to cease work or movement, allowing for relaxation and recovery. Think of a hiker resting their feet after a climb: "She needed to rest before tackling the next peak." This is often expressed as needing a rest—a specific period of inactivity.
However, "rest" also refers to what remains of something. If you have ten cookies and eat three, the remaining seven are simply "the rest." It can indicate any remainder or balance, such as "the rest of the money" or "the rest of the ingredients."
"Rest" can even describe a state of tranquility or peace. A quiet garden might offer "a peaceful rest for the soul." Or consider the phrase "may they rest in peace," used to honor those who have passed away, signifying their eternal tranquility.
As a verb, "to rest" can also mean to be supported by or to rely on something. "The painting rested against the wall" shows physical support, while "Her hopes rested on his return" shows dependence. It implies a sense of stability or reliance.
So, whether it's about getting your strength back, naming what is left over, finding inner peace, or being physically supported, "rest" covers a wide range of meanings tied to stillness, recovery, remainder, and calm.
Examples
- 1
Physical rest
You look tired. Go upstairs and rest for a while.
- 2
Short break
We stopped at a cafe for a short rest.
- 3
Injury recovery
The coach told her to rest her knee for a few days.
- 4
Supporting object
She rested her bag on the chair beside her.
- Patternrest X on Y
put X somewhere so it is supported
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Remaining items
We finished the easy questions first and left the rest for later.
- 6
Remaining group
The rest of the team arrived after lunch.
- Patternthe rest of + noun
the remaining people or things in a group
- 7
Visual attention
His eyes rested on her name at the bottom of the page.
- Patternrest on + object
stop and stay there, especially with your eyes
- 8
Dependence
A lot rests on this meeting, so we need to be prepared.
- Patternrest on + event/factor
depend on it
- 9
Reassurance
You can rest assured that your data is safe.
- Phraserest assured
feel certain and not worry
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- restnounverb
Forms
- resting-ing formverbnoun
- restspluralnounverb
- restedpast tenseverbnoun