rest
rest — noun
1. what is left of something after a portion has been removed, consumed, or otherwi
what is left of something after a portion has been removed, consumed, or otherwise handled — for instance, eating half your lunch and saving what remains for later, or asking five people and waiting for the others to answer.
Cole ate half the pizza and put the rest in the fridge.
the rest of + noun phrase carrying over
Only three guests have arrived; the rest are stuck in traffic.
the rest as pronoun for people
Yael finished the first chapter and plans to read the rest tonight.
Most students passed, but the rest will need to retake the exam next month.
The rest of the cake was left on the kitchen counter overnight.
- the rest of
- the rest are
- the rest is
Grammar Patterns
the rest of + [noun phrase]
the rest + [verb]
Usage Note
Always used with the definite article 'the' when referring to what remains. Can be followed by 'of + noun phrase' (the rest of the team) or used alone as a pronoun (the rest are coming).
Common Mistakes
2. a time when you stop doing an activity so that your body or mind can recover ene
a time when you stop doing an activity so that your body or mind can recover energy — for example, lying down for a few minutes after a long walk, or taking a short break from studying.
After hiking for six hours, Eleni sat on a rock to take a rest.
take a rest — common collocation
The doctor told Mert he needed a few days of bed rest after the surgery.
Nellie could not get a good night's rest because of the noisy construction outside.
good night's rest — fixed phrase
A short rest between study sessions helps you remember what you have learned.
Samir put down his tools and told the crew it was time for a rest.
- take a rest
- get some rest
- need a rest
- have a rest
- bed rest
- day of rest
Grammar Patterns
have/take/get a rest
need a rest
Usage Note
Frequently paired with 'have', 'take', or 'get'. The phrase 'bed rest' is a fixed medical term meaning staying in bed to recover from illness or injury.
Common Mistakes
3. a measured gap of silence in a piece of music, shown by a specific written symbo
a measured gap of silence in a piece of music, shown by a specific written symbol that tells performers how long to stay quiet before playing again.
The sheet music showed a quarter rest after the first three notes.
quarter rest — specific duration of silence
During the final rest, the entire orchestra fell silent for two full beats.
Amihan counted carefully to make sure she held the rest for exactly one measure.
The conductor reminded the cellists not to skip the eighth rest before the next note.
- quarter rest
- eighth rest
- whole rest
- half rest
Grammar Patterns
a + [number] + rest
play a rest
Usage Note
Rests have standard durations matching note values: whole rest, half rest, quarter rest, eighth rest, etc. The term is used only in musical contexts.
Common Mistakes
4. a condition in which something is not moving or not engaged in any activity — fo
a condition in which something is not moving or not engaged in any activity — for example, a ball lying still on the ground, or a machine that has been turned off.
The ball rolled across the grass and finally came to rest against a tree.
come to rest — stop moving
An object at rest will stay still unless a force pushes it.
at rest — physics sense of stillness
The old train carriage has sat at rest on the same track for over twenty years.
Ramón watched the pendulum swing less and then come to rest at the centre.
- at rest
- come to rest
- lay to rest
- stillness
almost identical; slightly more poetic/literary
- immobility
more formal; not moving at all, often due to an inability to move
Grammar Patterns
at rest
come to rest
Usage Note
Used in physics and general description. 'Come to rest' describes the moment when a moving object stops. 'At rest' describes an object that is already not moving.
5. a polite or gentle way of saying that someone has died, avoiding the directness
a polite or gentle way of saying that someone has died, avoiding the directness of the word 'dead' — for example, saying 'Grandmother is now at rest' instead of 'Grandmother is dead'.
The priest said that Grandfather was finally at rest after his long illness.
at rest — euphemism for being dead
The family gathered at the cemetery to lay their beloved aunt to rest.
lay someone to rest — bury someone
On the gravestone, the family had carved the words 'At rest with the Lord.'
The community held a quiet ceremony to lay the victims of the fire to rest.
- at rest
- lay to rest
- put to rest
Grammar Patterns
at rest
lay someone to rest
put someone to rest
Usage Note
Almost always used in the fixed phrases 'at rest' or 'lay [someone] to rest'. Marked as formal or respectful; not used in casual conversation about death. The phrase 'put something to rest' has a different meaning (to end a rumour or concern).
Common Mistakes
6. an object or part of an object that holds something else in position or carries
an object or part of an object that holds something else in position or carries its weight — for example, an armrest on a chair, a chin rest on a violin, or a footrest under a desk.
The armchair had a padded rest for each arm, making it very comfortable.
a rest for [body part] — support structure
The violinist adjusted the chin rest on her instrument before starting to play.
Sari pulled the footrest out from under her desk to prop up her tired feet.
The mechanic placed the engine block on a sturdy metal rest before working underneath it.
- arm rest
- foot rest
- chin rest
- head rest
Grammar Patterns
a rest for + [body part / object]
Usage Note
Often appears as part of a compound noun: armrest, footrest, headrest, chin rest. The type of rest is usually clear from what part of the body or object it supports.
7. a short stop or break in movement, especially when something that was moving slo
a short stop or break in movement, especially when something that was moving slows down and stops — for example, a car that comes to a rest at a red light, or a bird that pauses on a branch before flying again.
The elevator shuddered and then came to a rest between the second and third floors.
come to a rest — stop moving
A butterfly fluttered from flower to flower without a moment's rest.
The water in the pond was completely at rest, reflecting the clouds above.
The spinning top wobbled and then came to rest on the wooden floor.
- come to rest
- at rest
- without rest
- halt
more sudden or deliberate; implies an intended stop
- standstill
complete stop with no movement at all
Grammar Patterns
come to a rest
without rest
Usage Note
Overlaps with sense 4 (STATE OF STILLNESS), but this sense focuses on the event of stopping rather than the ongoing state. Often used after motion verbs like 'come', 'bring', 'roll'.
give it a rest
idiomused to tell someone to stop talking about something that is annoying you
Eleni told her little brother to give it a rest because she was tired of his questions.
After the fourth complaint about the noise, the teacher said, 'Give it a rest, everyone.'
the rest is history
idiomused to say that the later part of a story is so well known that it does not need to be repeated
They met at a coffee shop in Taipei, and the rest is history.
The company launched its first product in 2010, and the rest is history.
to stop something by proving that it is not true or by dealing with it completely
The CEO held a press conference to lay the rumours about the merger to rest.
The DNA test finally laid the question of the child's identity to rest.
to do or say something that stops someone from worrying
The doctor's cheerful report put Yuki's mind at rest about her test results.
A quick phone call from the pilot set the passengers' minds at rest about the delay.
and the rest
idiomused at the end of a list to mean other similar things that you might expect to be included
She packed T-shirts, shorts, socks, and the rest into her suitcase.
The store sells chairs, tables, lamps, and the rest of the furniture you need for a home.
Used at the end of a list to refer to other things of the same type that you have not mentioned.
She bought a new dress, shoes, and all the rest of it.
He talked about politics, economy, and the rest.
at rest
idiomNot moving or completely still.
The cat lay at rest on the warm windowsill.
The car was at rest at the traffic light.
come to rest
idiomTo stop moving, especially after rolling or sliding.
The ball rolled down the hill and came to rest in a bush.
Her gaze came to rest on the old photograph.
for the rest
idiomUsed to talk about other parts of something apart from what has been mentioned.
The first chapter was interesting; for the rest, it was boring.
She handled the finances; for the rest, her husband took care.
To stop doing something for a short time in order to relax.
You've been studying all day; give your brain a rest.
Why don't you give that noisy guitar a rest?
lay somebody to rest
idiomA polite way of saying to bury a dead person.
They laid their grandmother to rest in the family plot.
The soldier was laid to rest with full military honors.
To stop something, such as a rumor or doubt, by proving it is not true.
The CEO's statement laid the merger rumors to rest.
Her apology put my fears to rest.
Used humorously to say that someone has a lot of work to do and cannot relax.
I have three deadlines this week; no rest for the wicked!
The teacher sighed, 'No peace for the wicked,' as papers piled up.
To do or say something that makes someone stop worrying.
The doctor's words put my mind at ease about the surgery.
A quick call from her son set her mind at rest.
rest — verb
1. to take a deliberate pause from work, motion, or any tiring activity so that you
to take a deliberate pause from work, motion, or any tiring activity so that your body or mind can regain its energy — for example, lying on the sofa after a long workday, or sitting down to catch your breath while running.
After carrying boxes all morning, Élise sat down to rest for a few minutes.
rest + for + [time period]
The runners rested by the river before continuing the race through the hills.
Samir rested his eyes for a moment after staring at the computer screen all day.
rest + [body part] — transitive use
Rest that injured ankle for a week before walking on it.
The hikers stopped to rest when they reached the mountain hut.
- rest for
- rest from
- rest your eyes
- rest your legs
Grammar Patterns
rest + [alone]
rest + [body part]
rest + from + [activity]
Usage Note
Can be used transitively (rest your legs) or intransitively (rest for a while). The transitive sense means 'to allow a body part to recover by not using it'.
Common Mistakes
2. to place an object onto a surface or lean it against something sturdy so it stay
to place an object onto a surface or lean it against something sturdy so it stays where it is, or for an object to be held in position — for example, leaning a broom against a wall, or propping your chin on your hand while you think.
Yael rested her chin on her hand and stared out the window during the lecture.
rest + [body part] + on + [surface]
The ladder was resting against the side of the house while the painter climbed up.
Ramón carefully rested the guitar case against the wall before sitting down.
The old wooden beam rests on a stone foundation built over a hundred years ago.
- rest on
- rest against
- rest your head on
- rest your arm on
- lift
to raise something, removing weight from its support
Grammar Patterns
rest + on/against + [noun phrase]
rest + [object] + on/against + [noun phrase]
Usage Note
Often followed by 'on' or 'against'. 'Rest on' suggests top-to-bottom weight support. 'Rest against' suggests leaning at an angle.
Common Mistakes
3. to be based on or depend on something — for example, a legal argument that rests
to be based on or depend on something — for example, a legal argument that rests on one key piece of evidence, or a reputation that rests on years of good work.
The prosecution's entire case rests on the testimony of a single witness.
rest on — depend on for validity
Her reputation as a fair judge rests upon decades of honest decisions.
The company's future rests on whether the new product sells well in the first year.
Success in this project rests on the whole team working together, not on one person.
- rest on
- rest upon
- rest on the assumption that
- depend on
more common in everyday speech; implies a conditional relationship
- hinge on
suggests a critical, make-or-break dependence
- be founded on
formal; suggests a solid basis or foundation
- stand alone
to not be dependent on anything else
Grammar Patterns
rest on + [noun phrase]
rest upon + [noun phrase]
Usage Note
Always followed by 'on' or 'upon' (more formal). The pattern is [subject] rests on [foundation/cause]. Often used in formal, academic, or legal contexts.
Common Mistakes
4. to stay in a particular condition or place without changing — for example, a que
to stay in a particular condition or place without changing — for example, a question that remains unanswered, or a secret that is kept safely unknown.
The matter cannot rest here; we need to find a proper solution by Friday.
rest + [adverb of place] — remain unresolved
The final decision rests with the board of directors, not with the manager.
The question of who broke the window will not rest until someone admits it.
Let the matter rest for now — we can discuss it again at next week's meeting.
let the matter rest — leave it unresolved for now
- let the matter rest
- rest assured
- rest with
- rest here
Grammar Patterns
rest + [adjective/adverb]
rest + [prepositional phrase]
Usage Note
Often used in the fixed expression 'let the matter rest' meaning 'stop discussing it for now'. The phrase 'rest assured' (be confident that) is a related idiomatic use: 'Rest assured that we will inform you immediately.'
Common Mistakes
5. said by a lawyer in court to formally announce that they have finished presentin
said by a lawyer in court to formally announce that they have finished presenting all their evidence and arguments, meaning no further witnesses or documents will be offered to support their side.
The prosecutor stood up and told the judge, 'The State rests its case, Your Honor.'
rest one's case — formal legal statement
After the defence lawyer rested her case, the jury began to discuss the verdict.
Nellie, frustrated with the argument, said, 'Well, I rest my case,' and walked away.
figurative use outside court
The defence attorney announced, 'The defence rests, Your Honor,' and returned to her seat.
- rest my case
- rest one's case
Grammar Patterns
rest one's case
Usage Note
The literal meaning is used only in courtrooms. Outside of law, 'I rest my case' is used humorously or sarcastically to mean 'my point has been proven by what just happened'.
Common Mistakes
6. to be a professional actor who is currently not employed in any production — a t
to be a professional actor who is currently not employed in any production — a temporary condition between acting jobs, not a permanent career change.
After the musical closed, Mert spent six months resting before his next role came along.
theatrical use — UK informal
Most actors in London rest for several weeks between theatre contracts.
The flyer said the lead actress was resting and not giving interviews.
Samir told his agent he did not mind resting until a better role came up.
- resting between jobs
- resting actor
- unemployed
general term; 'resting' is the specific theatre-industry euphemism
- working
having an acting job
- performing
actively on stage or on set
Grammar Patterns
rest + [alone]
Usage Note
Primarily British theatre jargon. Not used in American English in this sense. Avoid using this in general conversation as most English speakers will not understand it.
rest on/upon
phrasal verbto be based on or rely on something as a foundation or cause
The whole theory rests on a single experiment that has never been repeated.
The success of the peace talks rests upon both sides being willing to compromise.
rest with
phrasal verbif a decision or responsibility rests with someone, they are the one who must make the decision or take responsibility
The final choice of school rests with the parents, not the teachers.
Responsibility for airport security rests with the national government.
rest assured
idiomused to tell someone that they can be completely certain that something will happen or is true
Rest assured that we will deliver your order before the weekend.
You can rest assured that the children are safe with the babysitter.
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/2
These four words all refer to a period without activity, but they differ in length, formality, and purpose. 'Rest' (this sense) is the broadest — any time taken to recover energy, from a few minutes of sitting down to a full night's sleep. 'Break' is shorter and more casual, usually a planned pause during work or school (a coffee break, a lunch break). 'Repose' is formal or literary and suggests deep rest or sleep in a calm setting. 'Nap' is specifically a short sleep taken during the day, usually an hour or less. 'Pause' is the shortest — a momentary stop before resuming the same activity. For example: 'After hours of hiking, we took a rest by the lake' (general recovery); 'I took a nap on the sofa after lunch' (short sleep); 'There was a brief pause before the speaker continued' (very short).
Common collocations
Adverbs
Phrases
- at rest
- come to rest
- set at rest
- rest assured
Etymology
The word 'rest' comes from Old English 'ræste' or 'reste', meaning a 'bed, resting place, or peace.' It is related to Old High German 'rasta' (rest) and Gothic 'rasta' (a mile, originally a resting place along a road). The verb form developed alongside the noun in Old English. Over centuries, the meaning expanded from physical rest to include legal expressions ('rest one's case'), musical notation, and the euphemism for death ('at rest').