"At rest" is a commonly used phrase that describes a state of tranquility or calmness. The spelling of this phrase can be broken down using IPA phonetic transcription as /æt rɛst/. The first word "at" is pronounced with the short "a" sound. The second word "rest" is pronounced with the "ɛ" as in "bed" vowel sound, followed by the "s" sound and the "t" sound. Together, these two words form a specific and easily recognizable phrase in the English language.
"At rest" refers to a state of inactivity or not being in motion. It is used to describe an object, organism, or system that is not currently engaged in any physical activity or movement. This state signifies a lack of immediate or ongoing action, often implying a state of calmness, stillness, or relaxation.
In the physical realm, an object is said to be "at rest" when it is not undergoing any kind of motion. This state can pertain to both living organisms, such as animals or humans, and non-living entities, such as a stationary vehicle or an idle machine. For instance, when someone is sitting quietly without making any physical movements, they can be described as being "at rest."
Similarly, in the context of scientific or mechanical systems, "at rest" denotes a state of equilibrium, where all forces acting on the system are balanced and its components are stable, with no net movement or oscillation occurring. This term is often used to describe the initial state of a system before any external forces are applied or when it returns to its equilibrium position after being disturbed.
Overall, "at rest" refers to a state of stillness, tranquility, or absence of activity, conveying the notion of something being motionless or in a state of repose.
The word "rest" can be traced back to the Old English word "ræste", which originated from the Proto-Germanic word "*raustiz". In turn, "*raustiz" evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root "*reus-", meaning to be peaceful or quiet. Over time, "ræste" transformed into "rest" in Middle English. The phrase "at rest" simply combines the preposition "at" with "rest" to indicate a state of peacefulness or lack of movement.