Definition

1. Noun:

   • A period of relaxation or sleep: A state of inactivity where the body and mind recover from exertion.
   • A support or stand: An object used to hold or support something else.
   • A pause or interval of silence: In music, a symbol indicating a period of silence of a specified duration.
   • The remaining part: What is left after other parts have been taken away or dealt with.
   • A euphemism for death: A state of final peace, often used in phrases like "laid to rest."

2. Verb:

   • To cease work or movement in order to relax or recover: To be in a state of repose or inactivity.
   • To be placed or supported on something: To lie, lean, or be set on a base or support.
   • To remain in a specified state: To continue to be in a particular condition.
   • To depend or be based on: To have something as its foundation or basis.
   • To give relief or respite to: To allow someone or something to stop activity and recover.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • After the long hike, I needed a good rest. (A period of relaxation)
  • The sculpture was mounted on a marble rest. (A support)
  • The conductor signaled for a quarter-note rest. (A musical silence)
  • Finish your vegetables; you can have the rest of the cake later. (The remaining part)
  • He was laid to rest in the family cemetery. (A euphemism for death)

• Verb:

  • The doctor advised him to rest for a few days. (To cease activity)
  • The ladder rests against the wall. (To be supported by)
  • The final decision rests with the committee. (To depend on)
  • Please rest assured that your application is being processed. (To remain in a state)
  • She rested her eyes for a moment. (To give relief to)

Advanced Usage

• "To rest on one's laurels": To be satisfied with past achievements and stop trying to achieve more.

  • After winning the championship, the team cannot afford to rest on its laurels.

• "To set/put someone's mind at rest": To relieve someone's anxiety or worry.

  • The test results put my mind at rest.

• "To come to rest": To stop moving and become still.

  • The ball came to rest at the edge of the hole.

Variants and Related Words

• Restful (adj): Promoting or characterized by a feeling of relaxation and peace.

  • We spent a restful weekend in the countryside.

• Restless (adj): Unable to rest or relax as a result of anxiety or boredom.

  • The audience grew restless during the long speech.

• Resting (adj/verb): The present participle of "rest," often used to describe a state of temporary inactivity.

  • A resting heart rate.

Synonyms

• Noun (for relaxation): Repose, respite, break, leisure.
• Noun (for remainder): Remainder, balance, remnant, leftovers.
• Verb (to relax): Relax, repose, unwind, take a break.
• Verb (to be supported): Lie, recline, lean, be placed.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Rest up: To rest thoroughly in order to recover strength.

  • You should rest up before the big game tomorrow.

• Rest on/upon: To depend on or be based on something.

  • The theory rests upon years of careful research.

• Rest with: To be the responsibility of a particular person or group.

  • The authority to approve the budget rests with the board.

Related Idioms

• The rest is history: Used to indicate that the subsequent events are well known.

  • He invented the device in his garage, and the rest is history.

• For the rest: As for other matters; regarding everything else.

  • The plan seems sound; for the rest, we'll have to wait and see.

• At rest: Not moving; in a state of peace or tranquility.

  • The engine is finally at rest.

Noun

1. a musical notation indicating a silence of a specified duration
2. a support on which things can be put
   • the gun was steadied on a special rest
3. euphemisms for death (based on an analogy between lying in a bed and in a tomb)
   • she was laid to rest beside her husband
   • they had to put their family pet to sleep
4. a state of inaction
   • a body will continue in a state of rest until acted upon
5. a pause for relaxation
   • people actually accomplish more when they take time for short rests
6. freedom from activity (work or strain or responsibility)
   • took his repose by the swimming pool
7. something left after other parts have been taken away
   • there was no remainder
   • he threw away the rest
   • he took what he wanted and I got the balance

Verb

1. be inactive, refrain from acting
   • The committee is resting over the summer
2. rest on or as if on a pillow
   • pillow your head
3. sit, as on a branch
   • The birds perched high in the tree
4. put something in a resting position, as for support or steadying
   • Rest your head on my shoulder
5. be inherent or innate in;
6. stay the same; remain in a certain state
   • The dress remained wet after repeated attempts to dry it
   • rest assured
   • stay alone
   • He remained unmoved by her tears
   • The bad weather continued for another week
7. be at rest
8. have a place in relation to something else
   • The fate of Bosnia lies in the hands of the West
   • The responsibility rests with the Allies
9. give a rest to
   • He rested his bad leg
   • Rest the dogs for a moment
10. take a short break from one's activities in order to relax
11. not move; be in a resting position