Words of Positivity
Browse the A to Z index4,633 ENTRIES

Letup

n.calm, hopefuleveryday

What it means

A pause or easing in something difficult, intense, or continuous.

Reach for it when marking welcome relief while acknowledging that the pressure may return

A letup in the wind gave the repair crew a safe hour on the roof.

Choose between these

6
  • everyday

    pause

    activity stops briefly without implying improvement

    not when A pause may be scheduled or neutral, whereas letup usually feels welcome.

  • warm

    relief

    burden or distress has diminished

    not when Relief can be lasting and may describe a feeling rather than a change in conditions.

  • warm

    respite

    temporary rest from hardship restores strength

    not when Respite centers the people receiving relief rather than the force becoming weaker.

  • professional

    easing

    intensity gradually decreases

    not when Easing suggests a trend, while a letup can be abrupt and temporary.

  • formal

    reprieve

    an expected penalty or ordeal is postponed

    not when Reprieve implies threatened harm or punishment, not ordinary workload.

  • literary

    lull

    quiet interrupts an active or turbulent period

    not when A lull can be deceptive and does not always bring relief.

Said against

4
  • intensification
  • onslaught
  • continuation
  • surge

It naturally appears in

3
  • brief letup

    A brief letup allowed the medics to restock their supplies.

  • no letup

    There was no letup in demand, so a second support line opened.

  • letup in pressure

    The letup in pressure gave residents time to review the proposal.

Where this comes from

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.