WordValerelief
a sculpture that projects from a flat background
In more detail
1. (noun) a feeling of happiness that comes when something worrying stops or becomes less serious
2. (noun) help or aid given to people in need, especially after a disaster
3. (noun) the replacing of someone by another person at their job or post
4. (noun) a sculpture or artwork where figures project out from a flat surface
Examples
- I felt a sense of relief when I heard the test results were normal.
- The organization sends relief supplies to areas affected by earthquakes.
- The night nurse came in to provide relief for the day staff.
How to use relief
Relief most commonly describes the emotional comfort felt when anxiety or pain diminishes, or practical humanitarian assistance after crises. It can also refer to the act of substituting someone in a position, or in art, a sculptural technique. The emotional sense carries a tone of gratitude and ease, while the assistance sense emphasizes practical help.
Common phrases
- sense of relief
- come as a relief
- relief effort
- relief worker
- relief fund
- sigh of relief
Synonyms
comfort · consolation · alleviation · ease · respite
Opposites
distress · anxiety · anguish
Word family
relieve · relieved · relieving · reliever
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse relief (a positive feeling of comfort) with relieve (the verb meaning to ease or help), forgetting that relief is the noun and requires an article or possessive.
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