Relief Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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relief
[rษชหliหf ]
Definitions
feeling
a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| relief |
When referring to the feeling of stress or pain being reduced or eliminated, especially after a period of discomfort or anxiety.
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| comfort |
When talking about a state of physical or emotional ease, often provided by someone or something that helps to lessen pain or sorrow.
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| ease |
When referring to a state of being less worried, stressed, or having fewer difficulties, often in everyday or informal situations.
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| alleviation |
When specifically discussing the reduction of pain, suffering, or distress, often in medical or formal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The news of her safe arrival was a great relief to her family.
- I felt a sense of relief wash over me as I finally handed in my assignment.
action
the removal or lightening of something oppressive, painful, or distressing
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| relief |
Used when someone feels a reduction in pain, stress, or a problem. Often applies to physical or emotional discomfort.
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| easing |
Used when there is a gradual reduction in something burdensome or difficult. Often used for economic or social conditions.
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| mitigation |
Used in formal or technical contexts to describe efforts to reduce the severity or seriousness of something, often related to risks or damage.
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| remedy |
Used when referring to a solution or cure for a problem, often related to health or legal matters.
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Examples of usage
- The relief of poverty is a key goal for many humanitarian organizations.
- The medication provided instant relief from his headache.
sculpture
sculptural technique where the sculpted elements remain attached to a solid background of the same material
Synonyms
bas-relief, embossment, projection.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| relief |
Used when referring to the physical characteristic of an elevated design on a flat surface, similar to 'bas-relief' but can be in higher or lower elevation.
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| projection |
Usually used in contexts involving the display of images, emotions, or thoughts outwardly. In art, it refers to a part that extends outward from a surface.
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| embossment |
Used to describe the technique of creating a raised design on paper, cloth, or other materials, often for decorative purposes.
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| bas-relief |
Typically used in art and archaeology, this term describes a sculpture technique where the figures are slightly raised from a flat background.
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Examples of usage
- The artist used a relief technique to create depth in the sculpture.
- The relief on the monument depicted scenes from the war.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that the feeling of relief can trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood lifters.
- Experiencing relief can also enhance problem-solving abilities by reducing stress levels, allowing for clearer thinking.
Art
- In sculpting, 'relief' refers to a technique where figures are raised from a flat background, creating depth.
- Artists often use relief techniques to convey emotions, where raised areas symbolize hope or tension being released.
Historical Origins
- Throughout history, communities would often organize relief efforts during natural disasters to support those in need.
- The Great Depression saw the establishment of government relief programs to assist those suffering from economic hardship.
Literature
- In many stories, characters often experience relief after overcoming challenges, providing readers with a sense of closure and satisfaction.
- Authors frequently use moments of relief to build emotional arcs, contrasting tension and conflict with feelings of ease and happiness.
Origin of 'relief'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'relever', meaning to lift up or raise.
- In Latin, 'relevare' translates to 'to lighten' or 'to relieve', which relates to feeling less burdened.
The word 'relief' originated from the Old French term 'relief', meaning 'assistance' or 'comfort'. It later evolved in Middle English to represent the alleviation of pain or distress. The concept of 'relief' has been integral to human experiences of comfort, support, and artistic expression throughout history.