reprieve

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort
  2. noun an interruption in the intensity or amount of something
  3. noun a warrant granting postponement (usually to postpone the execution of the death sentence)

Etymology

First use appears c. 1513 in the writings of Robert Fabyan. In the sense of “to take back to prison”, from Middle English repryen (“to remand, detain”) (1494), possibly from Middle French repris, in the form of reprendre (“take back”); a cognate to reprise. The sense has become generalized, but does retain connotations of punishment and execution. The noun's first use appears c. 1592.

In classic literature

Synonyms

respite

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