rémission

Rémission is a noun used in French (and, in its English form, remission) to describe the act of releasing, forgiving, or reducing something that would otherwise be owed or endured. It derives from the Latin remissio, meaning release or slackening, and it is used across several domains with related but distinct meanings.

Medical usage defines remission as a period during which the signs and symptoms of a disease diminish or disappear. In oncology, complete remission indicates no detectable disease; partial remission signifies a substantial, but not complete, reduction. Remission can be temporary, and it does not always equal a cure, as relapse may occur.

Legal and financial usage concerns the cancellation or reduction of obligations, such as debts, fines, or penalties. A remission may be granted by authorities or through contractual terms. It is distinct from a pardon, which absolves criminal liability, although both involve clemency or relief from consequences.

In religious contexts, remission refers to forgiveness of sins or release from guilt. In Christian theology, it can denote divine mercy granted through grace, sacraments, or acts of contrition. Historically, the term has also appeared in discussions of indulgences and the remission of temporal punishment.

Other uses include tax remission (waiving or reducing tax liabilities) and administrative remissions of penalties. The concept centers on alleviating burden through forgiveness, release, or reduction, with specific rules varying by jurisdiction and discipline.