repòs

Repòs is a Catalan noun meaning rest, pause, or a break from activity. It denotes a state of inactivity or a deliberate interruption in work or movement, and can refer to both physical rest and planned intervals in daily routines. In usage, it is common to say el repòs or prendre un repòs to describe taking a rest.

Etymology and form: The term derives from Latin reposus, the participle of reponere meaning to put back or lay down, and entered Catalan through Romance language development. The acute on the o marks the word’s final-stress pattern in Catalan.

Uses and contexts: In everyday speech, repòs is used for any moment of rest after effort or during a break from travel or tasks. In medical contexts, it often refers to bed rest prescribed to recover from illness or surgery, sometimes described as repòs domiciliari or repòs hospitalari. In sports and work, a planned repòs period helps restore energy and performance. It can also appear in educational or family routines to indicate scheduled pauses between activities.

Other contexts: In botany and agriculture, the concept of dormancy for plants is described with repòs, including formulations such as repòs hivernal or repòs estival, when growth slows or stops. In cultural or philosophical discourse, repòs may symbolize restoration, balance, and recuperation as part of overall well-being.

Relation to related terms: Synonyms include descans and pausa, while the verb reposar means to rest, and descansar is a common equivalent for taking a rest. See also dormir for the action of sleeping.