Pronunciation: [ɹɪpɹˈiːv] (IPA) 
The word "reprieve" is spelled as /rɪˈpriːv/. It is derived from the Old French word "repriever" which means to "to take back." The word signifies a temporary relief from punishment, especially in the context of the legal system. It is spelled with the letter "p" after the letter "r" to indicate the correct pronunciation of the word, which is a long "ee" sound. The spelling of "reprieve" also includes the silent letter "e" at the end.
A reprieve is a noun that refers to a temporary postponement or suspension of a punishment, often used in the context of mercy or clemency towards someone who has been sentenced to death or another severe penalty. It signifies a respite or relief from the consequences or impending harm that was expected to befall an individual.
The term reprieve can also be used more broadly to describe a temporary escape or relief from an unpleasant or challenging situation. It implies a temporary halt to the negative or burdensome circumstances that someone may be experiencing, offering them a chance to regroup or recover.
In legal contexts, a reprieve is typically granted by a higher authority such as a judge, governor, or president, often based on humanitarian grounds or due to new evidence that may warrant a reevaluation of the punishment. It symbolizes the recognition that there may be extenuating circumstances or doubts about the fairness of the original decision. During a reprieve, the execution of a sentence is temporarily stayed, allowing the convicted person or their legal representatives to present new evidence or arguments that may influence the final outcome of their case.
Overall, a reprieve is a temporary delay or relief from punishment, whether it be literal or metaphorical, offering a chance for reconsideration, reevaluation, or reformation.
• To suspend or delay the execution of a criminal; to grant a respite to; to relieve from any suffering for a time.
• The temporary suspension of the execution of the sentence of death.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "reprieve" originated from the late Middle English term "reprive", which came from the Old French term "repris", meaning "an act of taking back or taking again". The Old French term was derived from the Latin word "reprehendere", which means "to hold back" or "to catch hold of". Over time, the meaning of "repris" evolved into "reprive" in English, specifically referring to a temporary postponement or relief from an unpleasant or difficult situation, usually relating to punishment or a legal sentence.
