relief

Definition

  • noun: a pleasant and relaxed feeling that someone has when something unpleasant stops or does not happen
  • noun: a payment made by a male feudal tenant to his lord on succeeding to an inherited estate
  • often used before another noun
  • synonyms: adc, cysp sculpture, medicaid

Examples

  • Her political activism throws the apathy of others into sharp 'relief'. [=makes the apathy of others very noticeable]

  • His character provides a little 'comic relief' in what is otherwise a very serious and dramatic movie.

  • Just one day of sunshine would be a welcome 'relief' from the rainy weather we've been having lately.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) May I have a moment? You look lovely, Elizabeth. I apologize if I seem forward, but I must speak my mind. This promotion throws into sharp relief that which I have not yet achieved. A marriage to a fine woman. You have become a fine woman, Elizabeth. (..)
    2003 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl