relief - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
relief Word Meanings
- a feeling of ease or satisfaction
- aid in times of trouble
- the state of being free from pain
relief Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
relief Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/rɪˈliːf/
US
/rɪˈlif/
relief Word Etymology
re- = again + lief = agreeable; comes from Latin 'relevare', meaning 'to lift up'. Imagine a heavy load lifted from your shoulders, making you feel light and free.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
First I set my shoulders, then push a slow breath out as the tension in my chest shifts. I move the cursor a fraction, change my angle, and keep my hands steady as the room seems to settle. A small decision to pause and adjust makes the pressure ease, and relief edges in as the mind clears.
Real Context
Relief is a noun describing a feeling of ease or release after a worry, pain, or difficulty has been resolved, or the act of providing aid to someone in trouble. It covers emotional relief when anxiety subsides, physical relief when the pain eases, and practical relief such as relief funds or disaster relief supplies. In everyday speech you can say a sigh of relief, to seek relief from a burden, or to bring relief to others through charitable aid. The word often appears in compounds like relief effort, relief worker, relief goods. Be aware that relief can imply temporary ease rather than permanent happiness.
Usage Reminders
- Relief is a noun: use relieve for the verb meaning 'to ease' or 'to alleviate'.
- Think of relief for feelings (emotional relief) or aid (disaster relief funds).
- Common collocations include sigh of relief, relief from pain, relief effort, relief goods.
- Relief can be uncountable when talking about general ease, but is countable in phrases like relief funds.
- Avoid using relief when you mean to say 'to relieve someone' as a verb; use relieve instead.
Common Misconceptions
- Relief means permanent happiness.
- Relief only refers to money or funds.
- Relief is a verb.
- Relief always describes physical pain relief.
- Relief and relieve are interchangeable
Thinking Differences
In English, relief often centers on a sudden emotional release or a concrete aid event; learners should note flexible collocations like sigh of relief and relief funds to avoid sounding odd in formal writing.
Learning Tips
- memorize the two main uses (emotional relief vs humanitarian relief)
- learn the common collocations (sigh of relief, relief funds, relief effort)
- practice pronouncing 'relief' with a short i sound
- distinguish relief from relieve (verb)
- note plural use in phrases like relief funds
- read/listen for relief in humanitarian contexts to see formal usage
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'relief' mean?
A.Sadness
B.Anger
C.Joy
D.Fear
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'relief' used correctly?
A.He was relieved because he lost his keys.
B.I was relieved when I heard the bad news.
C.She felt relief after winning the game.
D.The relief dog barked at the stranger.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a similar word to 'relief'?
A.Discomfort
B.Pain
C.Comfort
D.Suffering
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'relief'?
A.Rest
B.Happy
C.Peace
D.Anxiety
Step 5: Mastery
When have you felt a sense of 'relief' in your life?
A.Getting stuck in traffic
B.After passing a difficult exam
C.Having a successful presentation
D.Losing something important
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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