respite
part of speech
noun (respite, respites)
meaning for a pupil
1) A short rest or break from something hard, painful or unpleasant. tree →
2) (care) A short break for someone who looks after an ill or disabled person, when someone else takes over; called respite care. tree →
3) (law, old) A delay given before a punishment. tree →
sense in the lessons
Interpretation: The respite from a plague gave Pharaoh a chance to change, but he hardened his heart again, which tradition sees as stubbornness. In the primary lessons: In stories it is a calm moment between dangers. In everyday life it means a break from rain, heat, noise or work. In family life «respite care» helps young carers and parents rest. Phrases: «a brief respite», «respite from», «without respite», «respite care».
examples
- But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken. (Torah EXO.8.15, JPS 1917) tree →
- Their heart cried unto the Lord: 'O wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night; give thyself no respite; let not the apple of thine eye cease. (Writings LAM.2.18, JPS 1917) tree →
- And the elders of Jabesh said unto him: 'Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers unto all the borders of Israel; and then, if there be none to deliver us, we will come out to thee.' (Prophets 1SA.11.3, JPS 1917) tree →
- The shade gave us a respite from the hot sun. tree →
- The rain stopped for a short respite. tree →
- The weekend was a respite from tests. tree →
- His little sister goes to respite care once a month so the family can rest. tree →
- The soldiers fought without respite. tree →
- Lunch break is a welcome respite. tree →
- When the year was over, she begged so hard for another year’s respite that it was granted to her. tree →
note
Pronounced «RES-pite» or «RES-pit». Often with «from». Countable or uncountable. Formal-ish; «break» is the everyday word.
Trees and pragmatics
Every meaning and example of «respite» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.