relief

lief

ˈlif

lif

/ɹɪlˈiːf/

Definition & Meaning of "relief"in English

Relief

NOUN

a feeling of comfort that comes when something annoying or upsetting is gone

Examples

She felt a sense of relief when she heard the good news.

The storm passed, bringing relief to the worried townspeople.

a sculptural technique in which shapes or figures are raised above a flat background

What is "relief"?

Relief is a sculpting technique where the design sticks out from a flat surface, creating a three-dimensional effect. The background remains flat, while the figures or patterns stand out at different levels, giving the appearance of depth. Relief can be either high, where the figures stick out a lot, or low, where the design sticks out less. This technique is commonly used in architecture, coins, and decorative art to add visual interest and texture.

Examples

The sculptor demonstrated the relief technique on a marble slab.

Relief carving is often used to decorate furniture and doors.

2.1

a decorative design or pattern created by carving in wood, stone, or other material

Examples

The temple wall was adorned with intricate reliefs of mythical scenes.

Each relief on the furniture told a story in pictorial form.

remedy granted by a court to enforce a right or compensate for a wrong

Specialized

Examples

The plaintiff sought relief for damages caused by the breach of contract.

The court awarded relief in the form of monetary compensation.

help provided in times of difficulty, hardship, or emergency

Examples

Volunteers brought relief to the flood-affected region.

Food and water relief was distributed to the earthquake victims.

a person who temporarily takes over the duties of another, especially in difficult or dangerous situations

Examples

A relief worker took over when the first responder needed a break.

The relief pitcher entered the game in the final innings.

support provided to the elderly, poor, or disabled

Examples

The government offers relief to low-income families.

Pension programs provide relief to retired citizens.

the easing or removal of something unpleasant, such as pain, stress, or discomfort

Examples

The medicine provided immediate relief from the headache.

Cooling the burn offered relief to the patient.

an improvement in a situation

Examples

The ceasefire brought relief to the war-torn region.

A cool breeze offered relief on the hot summer day.

a break for rest

Examples

Workers took a short relief between shifts.

The firefighter enjoyed a moment of relief after the rescue.

the action of liberating a city, town, or area that is under siege

Examples

The army brought relief to the besieged city after weeks of fighting.

The relief of the fortress lifted the spirits of its defenders.

a feeling of ease or release that occurs after a period of tension, suspense, or stress in a story

What is "relief"?

In literature, relief refers to a moment or element that provides a break from tension or conflict in the story. It offers a sense of ease or resolution, often through lighter or more positive scenes, humor, or resolution of certain plot points. Relief helps balance the emotional intensity of the narrative, giving the audience a chance to regain composure before the next significant development or conflict.

Examples

The sudden reconciliation between the characters offered emotional relief to the audience.

The comic scene provided relief after the intense battle.