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refrigerio

relief

noun reh-free-JEH-ryoh Rare

Origin: Latin refrigerium (cooling, refreshment)

Also means

refreshment

Usage Note

Refrigerio carries a pleasantly literary or elevated tone, evoking coolness or comfort after heat or hardship (trovare refrigerio all'ombra = to find relief in the shade). It is more poetic than sollievo (relief) and distinctly implies physical coolness. In everyday speech it appears most in fixed phrases; overusing it in casual conversation can sound archaic.

Examples

"L'acqua fresca portava refrigerio."

Natural Translation

The cool water brought relief.

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