rest
rehst
Rest (noun) means Relief from work or activity, especially by sleeping or relaxing. Example: “You need to get some rest before the long drive tomorrow.”
noun
1
Relief from work or activity, especially by sleeping or relaxing.
"You need to get some rest before the long drive tomorrow."
"The doctor recommended bed rest for a week."
"After the long hike, we all needed a good rest."
2
The remaining part of something; what is left over.
"She ate half the pizza and saved the rest for later."
"I'll carry the bags, and you can bring the rest."
"The rest of the class went home early because of the snow."
3
A pause of a specific length in a piece of music, or the symbol marking it.
"The pianist counted every rest carefully so she would not come in too early."
"A long rest in the middle of the piece let the audience breathe."
"The composer added a two-beat rest before the final chorus."
verb
1
To stop working or moving in order to relax or recover.
"You should rest your eyes if you have been reading all afternoon."
"After the long hike, we stopped by the stream to rest."
"He sat down to rest after climbing the stairs."
2
To lean, lie, or be supported on something.
"She rested her head on his shoulder."
"The cat rested its paws on the window ledge and watched the street."
"A ladder was resting against the garden wall when I got home."
3
To depend or be based on something.
"The whole case rests on a single piece of evidence."
"Our plan rests on everyone arriving at the station before nine."
"Does your argument rest on the assumption that prices will stay the same?"
How to use rest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo stop and relax, or, as a noun, everything that's left over.
Common mistake
As a computing term, "REST" (all caps, an API architecture) is unrelated to the everyday word "rest" — don't conflate the two.
Common pairings
rest assured
the rest of
get some rest
rest on
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Word forms
- Plural
- rests
- Third person singular
- rests
- Past tense
- rested
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
You need to get some _____ before the long drive tomorrow.
Etymology
From Old English ræst, related to German Rast and Dutch rust, ultimately going back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to rest, calm down."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for rest
See all rhymes for rest →Frequently asked questions
What does “rest” mean?
The word “rest” means relief from work or activity, especially by sleeping or relaxing. In plain terms, to stop and relax, or, as a noun, everything that's left over.
How do you pronounce “rest”?
“Rest” is pronounced rehst (/ɹɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “rest” in a sentence?
Here is “rest” used in a sentence: “You need to get some rest before the long drive tomorrow.”
What is another word for “rest”?
Words with a similar meaning to “rest” include relieve, lean, place, put and lie.
What is the opposite of “rest”?
The opposite of “rest” — its antonyms — is activity.
What part of speech is “rest”?
Depending on how it is used, “rest” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rest” come from?
The word “rest” comes from Old English. From Old English ræst, related to German Rast and Dutch rust, ultimately going back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to rest, calm down.".
Is “rest” a common word?
“Rest” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between rest and sleep?
Sleep is a specific state of reduced consciousness your body enters, usually at night. Rest is broader — any relief from exertion, whether you're napping, sitting quietly, reading, or simply doing nothing demanding. All sleep is rest, but you can rest deeply while fully awake. Both help the body recover.
Why is rest important?
Rest lets the body and mind recover from exertion — muscles repair, energy stores refill, and the brain consolidates memories and regulates mood. Without enough of it, concentration, immunity, and physical performance all decline. Regular rest isn't idleness; it's a necessary counterweight to activity that keeps you healthy and effective.
What are the types of rest?
Beyond physical rest, people speak of mental rest from concentration, emotional rest from stress, and sensory rest from noise and screens. A change of activity can itself be restful. Recognising that rest comes in several forms helps explain why a holiday can leave you refreshed in one way but not another.
Is rest the same as relaxation?
They overlap but aren't identical. Rest is any break from exertion, including sleep; relaxation is the release of physical and mental tension, often deliberately, through activities like deep breathing, a warm bath, or gentle music. You can rest without relaxing — lying awake and tense — and relaxation is one restful path.
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