noun
relief
rih-LEEF
noun
1
A feeling of ease or reassurance after the removal of stress, pain, or worry.
"It was a relief to finally hear she'd landed safely."
"Painkillers offered some relief from the headache."
2
Aid given to people in need, such as food, money, or medical care.
"Aid agencies sent relief supplies to the flooded region."
3
(art) A sculpture or design in which shapes stand out from a flat background.
"The building's facade features an elaborate stone relief."
How to Use Relief
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe easing of a burden — whether emotional, physical, or in the form of practical help.
Common pairings
sigh of relief
relief effort
pain relief
tax relief
Word Forms
more relief comparative, reliefs plural, most relief superlative
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It was a _____ to finally hear she'd landed safely.
Etymology
From Italian rilievo, "raised work," from rilevare, "to raise," ultimately from Latin relevare.