noun
C2
Proficient
repose
rih-POHZ
Repose (noun) means a state of rest or calm, especially after activity, or a period of sleep. Example: “After the long hike, they welcomed an evening of repose by the fire.”
noun
1
A state of rest or calm, especially after activity, or a period of sleep.
"After the long hike, they welcomed an evening of repose by the fire."
"The garden was designed as a place of quiet repose."
verb
1
To rest, relax, or lie down peacefully.
"She reposed on the sofa with a book after dinner."
2
To place trust, confidence, or faith in someone or something.
"The team reposed great confidence in their new captain."
How to use repose
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA state of calm rest, or the act of resting or trusting.
When to use it
A fairly formal or literary word — everyday speech usually just says "rest" or "relax."
Common pairings
in repose
repose confidence in
a state of repose
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Word forms
- Plural
- reposes
- Third person singular
- reposes
- Past tense
- reposed
- Archaic forms
- reposest, reposedst, reposeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
After the long hike, they welcomed an evening of _____ by the fire.
Etymology
From Old French reposer, "to rest" or "to be still," ultimately from Latin repausare — re- plus pausare ("to pause"), the ancestor of "pause" itself.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for repose
See all rhymes for repose →Frequently asked questions
What does “repose” mean?
The word “repose” means a state of rest or calm, especially after activity, or a period of sleep. In plain terms, a state of calm rest, or the act of resting or trusting.
How do you pronounce “repose”?
“Repose” is pronounced rih-POHZ (/ɹəˈpoʊz/ in IPA).
How do you use “repose” in a sentence?
Here is “repose” used in a sentence: “After the long hike, they welcomed an evening of repose by the fire.”
What part of speech is “repose”?
Depending on how it is used, “repose” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “repose” come from?
The word “repose” comes from Latin. From Old French reposer, "to rest" or "to be still," ultimately from Latin repausare — re- plus pausare ("to pause"), the ancestor of "pause" itself.
How many meanings does “repose” have?
“Repose” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a state of rest or calm, especially after activity, or a period of sleep.
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