rest

The part or people left after others have been used, removed, or mentioned.

• You can keep the rest.
• I spent the rest of the day reading.
• The rest of us waited outside.

How to use it: the rest of something (Put the rest of the bread in the bag.)

Similar words: remainder, remaining part

Common phrases: rest of something, the rest, rest of us, all the rest

A short period when an activity stops, including a pause in music.

• Let us take a rest.
• We stopped for a short rest after walking uphill.
• A brief rest separates the two musical phrases.

Similar words: break, pause

Common phrases: take a rest, a short rest, a brief rest, a musical rest

Sleep that helps your body recover from tiredness or illness.

• You need some rest.
• A good night’s rest helped her feel better.
• The doctor advised plenty of rest after the operation.

Similar words: sleep

Common phrases: get some rest, need rest, a good rest, bed rest

A written musical sign showing how long a player should remain silent.

• The rest lasts two beats.
• Write a rest after the last note.
• She counted the rests carefully before playing again.

Similar words: rest symbol

Common phrases: a quarter rest, a whole rest, read a rest, count the rests

An object or surface that holds something in place or lets it lie comfortably.

• Place your wrist on the rest.
• The rifle rest helped him aim steadily.
• She put the receiver back on its rest.

Similar words: support, holder

Common phrases: a wrist rest, a foot rest, a rifle rest, on its rest

To stop working or moving for a while so you feel less tired.

• You should rest now.
• We rested under a tree.
• Can I rest my legs for a minute?

How to use it: rest after something (We rested after the long walk.)

Similar words: relax, take a break

Common phrases: rest a while, rest after work, rest your legs

To put part of your body or an object on something that supports it.

• Rest your head on the pillow.
• She rested her hand on my shoulder.
• He rested his feet on a stool.

How to use it: rest something on something (She rested her chin on her hand.); rest something against something (He rested the pole against a tree.)

Similar words: place, lay

Common phrases: rest your head, rest something on something, rest your hand

To be in a particular place, often supported by something.

• The box rests on the floor.
• A heavy beam rested above the door.
• The frame rests against the cupboard.

How to use it: rest on something (The bowl rests on a wooden shelf.); rest against something (The ladder rests against the wall.)

Similar words: lie, sit

Common phrases: rest on something, rest against something