Répit (en. Respite)

/ʁe.pi/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Time of rest or calm after a period of intense activity.
After a week of hard work, he finally found respite during the weekend.
Après une semaine de travail acharné, il a enfin trouvé un répit pendant le week-end.
Period of tranquility in a difficult situation.
This respite in the fighting allowed both sides to discuss a ceasefire.
Ce répit dans les combats a permis aux deux camps de discuter d'un cessez-le-feu.

Etymology

From the Latin 'repetere', meaning 'to take back'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to take a respite
to give oneself a moment of rest or calm.
prendre un répit
to be in respite
to be in a period of calm after a period of intense activity.
être en répit

Related Words

rest
State of not working, where one is resting.
repos
relaxation
Action of relaxing, freeing oneself from tension.
relaxation
relief
Action of soothing pain or worry.
soulagement

Slang Meanings

To give oneself a breather
After this month of stress, he's giving himself a breather this weekend.
Après ce mois de stress, il se donne un coup de frais ce week-end.
To take a step back
I need to take a step back after everything I've been through.
J'ai besoin de prendre du recul après tout ce que j'ai vécu.