Rest: Definition, Meaning, and Example

Last Updated on
November 12, 2025

1. Rest (noun): A period of relaxation, sleep, or inactivity.
2. Rest (verb): To cease work or movement to relax, refresh, or recover strength.
3. Rest (noun): The remaining part of something.

"Rest" is a term that embodies relaxation, stillness, and recovery. It is commonly used in various contexts, whether referring to sleep, taking a break, or denoting something that remains. The versatility of "rest" makes it a crucial word in daily conversation and literature. Keep reading to explore its definitions, usage, pronunciation, and more.

"Rest" Definition: What Does "Rest" Mean?

"Rest" is a term with multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It can refer to relaxation, cessation of work, or something left over.

Definition of "Rest": Period of Relaxation

This meaning of "rest" refers to taking a break to refresh the body and mind. It is essential for well-being and productivity.

Definition of "Rest": To Cease Work or Movement

When used as a verb, "rest" means to stop physical or mental effort to regain energy.

Definition of "Rest": The Remaining Part 

This definition refers to the portion left over after something has been used or taken away.

Parts of Speech

"Rest" primarily functions as both a noun and a verb. It is widely used in various sentence structures to convey different meanings. In uncommon usage, "rest" can also be used metaphorically, such as in poetic expressions like "eternal rest" (referring to death).

How to Pronounce "Rest"?

The word "rest" is pronounced as "rest." It has one syllable, with a short and crisp sound. The "r" is pronounced with a soft, rolling effect, similar to the beginning of the word "red." The "e" sounds like the short vowel in "bet," and the "st" at the end is pronounced like in the word "best." When saying "rest," ensure that all sounds blend smoothly without elongation.

Phonetic Pronunciation: /rɛst/

Synonyms of "Rest": Other Ways to Say "Rest"

There are several synonyms for "rest" depending on its meaning.

  • Break
  • Pause
  • Repose
  • Relaxation
  • Stillness
  • Relief
  • Intermission
  • Halt
  • Respite
  • Reprieve

Antonyms of "Rest": Other Ways to Say "Rest"

The opposite of "rest" often relates to activity, exertion, or movement.

  • Work
  • Activity
  • Effort
  • Exertion
  • Labor
  • Fatigue
  • Motion
  • Disturbance
  • Strain
  • Busyness

Examples of "Rest" in a Sentence

Here are some example sentences demonstrating the usage of "rest."

  1. After a long day of work, she needed some rest.
  2. Doctors recommend getting enough rest for good health.
  3. He decided to rest under a tree before continuing his hike.
  4. The rest of the cake was saved for tomorrow.
  5. She placed the book on the table to let it rest.
  6. The construction crew took a short rest before continuing their work.
  7. I will explain the rest of the plan later.
  8. The injured player needed to rest before rejoining the team.
  9. Let's take a five-minute rest before continuing our journey.
  10. He asked if he could take the rest of the day off.

Frequency of Use

"Rest" is a highly frequent word in everyday conversations, literature, and medical contexts. It is commonly found in health-related articles, motivational speeches, and workplace guidelines.

Variants of "Rest"

There are a few variations of "rest" based on usage.

  1. Restful: Describing something that promotes relaxation.
  2. Restless: Opposite of restful, indicating a lack of calmness.
  3. Rested: Past tense of "rest," indicating completion of relaxation.

Related Terms to "Rest"

Several terms are closely related to "rest."

  1. Repose
  2. Serenity
  3. Fatigue
  4. Slumber
  5. Pause

Etymology: History and Origins of "Rest"

The word "rest" originates from Old English ræst, meaning repose or sleep. It shares roots with Old Norse rǫst and German Rast, meaning a place of rest.

Derivatives and Compounds of "Rest"

The word "rest" forms several derivatives and compound words that expand its meaning and usage in different contexts.

  1. Restroom: A public facility with toilets and sometimes sinks, commonly used in formal settings instead of "bathroom."
  2. Resting place: Often used metaphorically or literally to refer to a location where someone stops or is buried.
  3. Rest stop: A designated area along highways where travelers can pause for refreshments and relaxation.

Common Misspellings of "Rest"

Some common misspellings include:

  1. Rset
  2. Resst
  3. Restt

10 Idioms Similar to "Rest"

Idioms related to "rest" include:

  1. Take a breather
  2. Catch some Z’s
  3. Kick back
  4. Put one's feet up
  5. Chill out
  6. Take five
  7. Recharge one's batteries
  8. Down time
  9. Take a load off
  10. Lay low

10 Common Questions About "Rest"

Here are common questions people ask about "rest."

1. What does "rest" mean?

"Rest" refers to a state of relaxation, sleep, or inactivity, as well as the remaining portion of something.

2. Is "rest" a noun or a verb?

"Rest" can function as both a noun (a period of relaxation) and a verb (to cease activity for relaxation or recovery).

3. How is "rest" different from "sleep"?

"Rest" refers to any period of relaxation, while "sleep" specifically involves unconscious rest.

4. What are some synonyms for "rest"?

Common synonyms for "rest" include break, relaxation, pause, and repose.

5. What does "rest" mean in music?

In music, a "rest" is a notation indicating a pause in sound for a specific duration.

6. What does "rest" mean in programming?

In programming, "REST" (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style used for web services.

7. How do you use "rest" in a sentence?

You can use "rest" in a sentence like this: "After hiking all day, they needed some 'rest' before continuing."

8. What does "the rest is history" mean?

"The rest is history" is a phrase used to indicate that the outcome of a story is well known or inevitable.

9. What does "eternal rest" mean?

"Eternal rest" is often used as a euphemism for death, signifying a peaceful afterlife.

10. How can "rest" improve health?

Taking "rest" helps reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and allow the body to recover from exertion.

Conclusion

"Rest" is a versatile word that refers to relaxation, a break from activity, or something that remains. It is a fundamental concept in health, work-life balance, and daily communication. Consider incorporating "rest" into your vocabulary to describe relaxation, recovery, or the remaining portion of something.

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