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relief

noun

  1. feeling of resolution of a problem
  2. three-dimensional land surface representation
  3. rescue
  4. help, ease, get rid of, make feel better
L7757 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈliːf/

adj

Etymology: From Italian rilievo, from rilevare (“to raise”), from Latin relevō (“to raise”).

  1. Characterized by surface inequalities.
  2. Of or used in letterpress.

noun

Etymology: From Italian rilievo, from rilevare (“to raise”), from Latin relevō (“to raise”).

  1. A method of sculpture or other artwork in which shapes or figures protrude from a flat background.
  2. 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

    The approach to Newcastle (Central) Station from the north after a heavy snowfall. The complicated track layout is thrown into clear relief by the snow [referring to dark rails poking through the snow]

  5. Relative distinctness, perceived difference due to contrast.

    And is it that the haze of grief ⁠Hath stretch’d my former joy so great? ⁠The lowness of the present state, That sets the past in this relief?

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