Relief Meaning

UK /rɪˈliːf/
US /rɪˈlif/
Word Definition
relief meaning

Relief Definition & Usage

noun

A feeling of alleviation, comfort, or release after a period of stress, pain, or worry.

Examples

  • "After weeks of intense work, she felt a deep sense of relief when the project was finally completed."
  • "The doctor assured him that the pain would subside soon, and he felt a great relief knowing he was on the mend."
  • "There was a collective sigh of relief when the storm passed without causing any damage."
  • "He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the email confirming his job application was successful."
  • "Winning the case brought relief to the family, who had been struggling with the uncertainty of the legal proceedings."
noun

Assistance provided to help ease suffering or need, often in the form of aid or charitable efforts.

Examples

  • "The charity raised funds to provide relief for the victims of the earthquake."
  • "Governments worldwide are sending food and medical relief to the affected areas."
  • "They volunteered at the shelter, helping with the distribution of relief supplies."
  • "The international community has pledged substantial relief to combat the famine."
  • "She was part of a team providing disaster relief in the aftermath of the flood."
noun

The physical elevation and variations in the surface of the earth, such as mountains, valleys, and plains.

Examples

  • "The rugged relief of the mountain range made the hike challenging but beautiful."
  • "The map depicted the area's relief, highlighting the valleys and highlands."
  • "The sculptor used varying relief techniques to create depth in the statue."
  • "The terrain's relief was the result of centuries of geological activity."
  • "In the painting, the artist used light and shadow to emphasize the relief of the landscape."

Cultural Context

The term 'relief' has been used in various contexts across cultures, especially in reference to emotional relief and humanitarian aid. The word also plays a significant role in art and geography, where relief structures and maps have helped humans understand and represent the physical world.

The Calm After the Storm

Story

The Calm After the Storm

It was a cool, misty evening when Sarah finally arrived at the remote village. After days of heavy rainfall, the storm had subsided, leaving behind a landscape scarred by flooding. But what she felt as she stepped off the helicopter was not just exhaustion, but a deep sense of relief. For weeks, the villagers had been anxiously waiting for help, trapped by the rising waters that had inundated their homes. And now, as Sarah gazed at their faces, she could see the relief in their eyes as well. As a humanitarian worker, Sarah had been part of the relief effort since the early days of the disaster. She remembered how frantic it had been at first, coordinating with local authorities and ensuring the delivery of food, water, and medical supplies. But now, seeing the affected people receiving the aid, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders. 'It’s not just the supplies,' Sarah thought as she watched a child playing in the distance, his small smile brighter than the sky after the storm. 'It’s the relief they feel, the return of hope.' She knew that this was the real impact of their work. Later that evening, as she sat with her team around a campfire, Sarah realized that her own relief came not only from the completion of a mission but also from the solidarity she had witnessed. The storm had left its mark on the land, but it also brought people together in a way that would forever change their community. The following day, Sarah and her team climbed a nearby hill to get a better view of the area. The landscape was a rugged mixture of valleys and hills, with the region’s natural relief still visible despite the destruction. 'The earth always recovers,' Sarah mused. 'Just like the people here will.'

The Calm After the Storm