The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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reprieve

verb

/rɪˈpriːv/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of reprieve

To postpone or cancel a punishment or penalty that has been imposed.
"The rainy weather provided a much-needed reprieve from the summer heat."

Detailed meaning of reprieve

It can also refer to the state of being spared from a punishment or penalty. A reprieve can be granted by a person in authority, such as a judge or a governor, or it can be a result of a change in circumstances. For example, a death row inmate might be granted a reprieve if new evidence comes to light that calls their guilt into question. A soldier might be granted a reprieve if their deployment is delayed or canceled. In other contexts, the term can be used in a more metaphorical sense, to describe a temporary respite or relief from a difficult situation, such as a financial reprieve, a reprieve from bad weather, or a reprieve from a hard work schedule.

Example sentences containing reprieve

1. The governor granted a temporary reprieve to the death row inmate.
2. The vacation was a welcome reprieve from the stress of work.
3. The company's financial troubles were only a brief reprieve before bankruptcy.
4. The doctor's diagnosis was a reprieve from the patient's worst fears.
5. The ceasefire offered a reprieve from the constant bombing.
6. The judge decided to reprieve the sentence due to new evidence.

History and etymology of reprieve

The verb 'reprieve' has its origins in Middle English, where it was spelled as 'repreven' or 'repreve.' It is believed to be influenced by the Old French word 'reprever,' which means 'to remit' or 'to reprieve.' In its early usage, 'reprieve' referred to the act of postponing or canceling a punishment or penalty that had been imposed. It embodies the idea of giving someone a temporary break or relief from a harsh consequence. As the term was adopted into modern English, it retained this essential meaning, describing the action of providing temporary relief or respite from a punishment or penalty, often to allow for further consideration or evaluation. The etymology of 'reprieve' underscores the concept of providing a temporary escape from a difficult or challenging situation, emphasizing the idea of postponing or canceling a negative outcome, at least temporarily.

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Further usage examples of reprieve

1. The injured athlete got a reprieve from training while he recovered.
2. The company offered employees a reprieve from mandatory overtime.
3. The weekend was a short reprieve before the start of a new work week.
4. The environmental regulations gave the wildlife a reprieve from habitat destruction.
5. The team's victory provided a reprieve from their losing streak.
6. The governor decided to reprieve the prisoner's execution.
7. His lawyer worked tirelessly to secure a last-minute reprieve.
8. The rainy weather provided a welcome reprieve from the heat.
9. The judge granted a temporary reprieve to allow for further evidence.
10. The unexpected delay was a reprieve for the overworked staff.
11. The school's closure offered teachers a much-needed reprieve.
12. The financial crisis prompted the government to reprieve taxes.
13. She hoped her good behavior would earn her a reprieve.
14. The team's victory provided a brief reprieve from their losing streak.
15. The doctor's diagnosis offered a reprieve from her health concerns.
16. The humanitarian organization worked tirelessly to reprieve refugees.
17. The community rallied together to reprieve the struggling local businesses.
18. The ceasefire was seen as a temporary reprieve from the conflict.
19. The rescue team arrived just in time to reprieve the stranded hikers.
20. The unexpected discovery provided a welcome reprieve for the researchers.
21. The president's decision to reprieve the sentence was met with controversy.
22. The holiday season offered a joyful reprieve from everyday routines.
23. The artist's work was a reprieve from the mundane.
24. The unexpected inheritance provided a financial reprieve.
25. The organization's fundraising efforts helped reprieve the endangered species.