Definition of "relief" in English

noun

1. The removal of stress or discomfort.

   • I sighed with relief when I found out that my daughter hadn't got lost, but was waiting for me at home.

2. The feeling associated with the removal of stress or discomfort.

3. Release from a post or duty, as when replaced by another.

4. The person who takes over a shift for another.

   • Officer Schmidt can finally go home because his relief has arrived.

5. Aid or assistance offered in time of need.

   • Relief arrived quickly after the disaster.

6. (military) Military assistance to break a siege or an encirclement.

7. (law) Court-ordered compensation, aid, or protection, a redress.

8. A lowering of a tax through special provisions; tax relief.

9. A certain fine or composition paid by the heir of a tenant upon the death of the ancestor.

10. (golf) Permission for a player to move their ball to a more convenient spot before taking a shot, under certain circumstances.

11. (Australia, New Zealand, colloquial) Ellipsis of relief teacher.

    • Do we have a relief for maths today?

noun

1. (uncountable) A method of sculpture or other artwork in which shapes or figures protrude from a flat background.

2. (countable) A sculpture or other artwork made with such a method.

3. The apparent difference in elevation in the surface of a painting or drawing made noticeable by a variation in light or color.

4. The difference of elevations on a surface.

   • the relief on that part of the Earth's surface

5. Relative distinctness, perceived difference due to contrast.

6. (heraldry) The supposed projection of a charge from the surface of a field, indicated by shading on the sinister and lower sides.

adjective

1. (of a surface) Characterized by surface inequalities.

2. Of or used in letterpress.