B2noun1K

Relief

UK /["/rɪˈliːf/"]/US /["/rɪˈliːf/"]/

Definition

the feeling of happiness that you have when something unpleasant stops or does not happen

In simple words: A feeling of comfort and happiness after stress or pain has gone away.

Examples

  • The medication provided instant relief from the pain.
  • After the exam results were announced, I felt a wave of relief wash over me.
  • The organization is working to deliver relief to the victims of the disaster.
  • He felt a great relief when he learned that his family was safe.
  • The relief of tension in the muscles can greatly improve overall well-being.

Usage notes

Use 'relief' when talking about feeling better after something difficult or painful. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid using it in overly casual talk.

Grammar pattern

relief + from + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'relief' as 're-leaf' — a leaf falling off, freeing you from weight.

Collocations

  • considerable
  • deep
  • enormous
  • bring (somebody)
  • give (somebody)
  • offer (somebody)
  • come
  • flood through somebody
  • sweep over somebody
  • valve
  • in relief
  • out of relief
  • to your relief
  • a cry of relief
  • a sigh of relief
  • tears of relief
  • considerable
  • deep
  • enormous
  • bring (somebody)
  • give (somebody)
  • offer (somebody)
  • come
  • flood through somebody
  • sweep over somebody
  • valve
  • in relief
  • out of relief
  • to your relief
  • a cry of relief
  • a sigh of relief
  • tears of relief
  • humanitarian
  • disaster
  • emergency
  • give somebody
  • provide (somebody with)
  • send (somebody)
  • work
  • effort
  • operation
  • debt
  • interest
  • tax
  • get
  • obtain
  • receive
  • be available
  • light
  • comic
  • give (somebody)
  • provide (somebody with)
  • for relief
  • a moment of relief
  • high
  • bas
  • low
  • carve (something) in
  • carving
  • sculpture
  • panel
  • in relief
  • bold
  • sharp
  • stark
  • bring something into
  • throw something into
  • stand out in
  • bold
  • sharp
  • stark
  • bring something into
  • throw something into
  • stand out in

Synonyms

  • aid

Antonyms

  • stress
  • pain
  • suffering

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'relieve' (verb form)
  • Using 'relief' without a stressor or problem context
  • Mixing up 'relief' with similar sounding words