Respite
/ˈrɛs.paɪt/noun
A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.
Did you know?In medieval times, a 'respite' was not just a break, but a legal term allowing a debtor to pause their obligations, almost like a spell of protection against ruin.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
respectus
“The act of looking back or regarding attentively.”
Old French
Old French
respiter
“To pause or take a break.”
Middle English
Middle English
respit
“A delay or temporary relief.”
Modern English
English
respite
“A period of relief from something burdensome.”
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