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Transitory vs Respite - What's the difference?

transitory | respite |

As an adjective transitory

is lasting only a short time; temporary.

As a noun respite is

a brief interval of rest or relief.

As a verb respite is

to delay or postpone.

transitory

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Lasting only a short time; temporary.
  • * 1704 , , Section I - The Introduction,
    • Secondly, that the materials being very transitory , have suffered much from inclemencies of air, especially in these north-west regions.
  • * 1839 , , Chapter 38,
    • Quite unconscious of the demonstrations of their amorous neighbour, or their effects upon the susceptible bosom of her mama, Kate Nickleby had, by this time, begun to enjoy a settled feeling of tranquillity and happiness, to which, even in occasional and transitory glimpses, she had long been a stranger.
  • * 1922 , , Book Three, Chapter II: A Matter of Aesthetics,
    • For a moment she paused by the taxi-stand and watched them--wondering that but a few years before she had been of their number, ever setting out for a radiant Somewhere, always just about to have that ultimate passionate adventure for which the girls' cloaks were delicate and beautifully furred, for which their cheeks were painted and their hearts higher than the transitory dome of pleasure that would engulf them, coiffure, cloak, and all.
  • (legal, of an action) That may be brought in any county; opposed to local .
    • (Blackstone)
    (Bouvier)

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Related terms

    * transient

    respite

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A brief interval of rest or relief.
  • * Denham
    • Some pause and respite only I require.
  • * Shakespeare
    • I crave but four day's respite .
  • *, chapter=10
    • , title= The Mirror and the Lamp , passage=It was a joy to snatch some brief respite , and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector's face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers.}}
  • * 2013 May 23, (Sarah Lyall), " British Leader’s Liberal Turn Sets Off a Rebellion in His Party," New York Times (retrieved 29 May 2013):
    • Mr. Cameron had a respite Thursday from the negative chatter swirling around him when he appeared outside 10 Downing Street to denounce the murder a day before of a British soldier on a London street.
  • (legal) A reprieve, especially from a sentence of death.
  • (legal) The delay of appearance at court granted to a jury beyond the proper term.

    • Verb

    (en-verb)
  • To delay or postpone.