Word of the Day - 09/16/25
respite
/'rɛspɪt/(n.): an interruption in the intensity or amount of something
The sudden calm in the storm offered a brief respite from the relentless winds.
(v.): postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution
The governor granted a temporary respite, delaying the execution until new evidence could be reviewed.
(n.): a pause for relaxation
We found a quiet bench in the park, perfect for a moment of respite from the city's hustle.
Word Origin
The word 'respite' originates from Old French 'respit' (noun) and 'respiter' (verb), meaning 'delay', 'postponement', or 'lull'. This, in turn, comes from the Latin 'respectus', the past participle of the verb 'respicere'. The Latin 'respicere' is composed of 're-' (meaning 'back' or 'again') and 'specere' (meaning 'to look'). Therefore, 'respicere' literally meant 'to look back at' or 'to consider'. The meaning evolved from 'consideration' or 'looking back' to 'delay' or 'postponement', and subsequently to a period of rest or relief.
A word with a very similar origin is 'respect'. Both 'respite' and 'respect' trace back to the Latin verb 'respicere' (to look back, to consider) and its past participle 'respectus'. While 'respite' developed the sense of a temporary delay or relief, 'respect' retained the meaning of 'consideration' or 'regard' (looking back at someone with esteem). Other words from the Latin root 'specere' (to look) include 'inspect', 'spectator', 'aspect', and 'expect'.