The Relief of Remission: Exploring the Meaning and Applications
This video explores the concept of remission, which refers to the reduction or disappearance of symptoms, the cancellation or reduction of a debt or punishment, and the act of forgiving or pardoning. The video provides examples of how remission is used in medical, financial, and general contexts, and highlights the importance of understanding this versatile term for enhancing one’s vocabulary.
Imagine a student struggling with a mountain of debt. One day, they receive news that their loans have been forgiven.
This sudden relief from a burden is similar to the concept we’re exploring today: remission.
Word type: Remission is a noun.
It is pronounced as rih-MISH-un.
Meaning: Remission has several related meanings. In medical contexts, it refers to a period during which the symptoms of an illness are reduced or disappear.
In financial or legal settings, it means the cancellation or reduction of a debt, penalty, or punishment.
More generally, remission can refer to the act of forgiving or pardoning.
Word history: The term remission comes from the Latin word remissio, meaning to send back or relax.
It entered the English language in the fourteenth century, initially used in religious contexts to describe the forgiveness of sins.
Over time, its usage expanded to include medical and financial applications. Synonyms for remission include abatement, forgiveness, pardon, and alleviation.
Antonyms would be words like continuation, persistence, or worsening. Let’s look at some examples of how to use remission in sentences.
A doctor might say, The cancer patient has been in remission for five years. In a financial context, you could hear, The government announced a partial remission of taxes for small businesses affected by the economic downturn.
In a more general sense, one might say, The constant rain showed no signs of remission throughout the week.
It’s important to note some common errors in the use of remission. People sometimes confuse it with emission, which means the production and discharge of something.
Another mistake is using remission when remittance is meant. Remittance refers to a sum of money sent as a payment or gift.
Understanding the word remission and its various applications can significantly enhance your vocabulary for the GRE.
It’s a versatile term that appears in medical, financial, and general contexts, making it a valuable addition to your word bank.
Remember its core meaning of reduction, forgiveness, or temporary recovery, and you’ll be well-equipped to use it correctly in various situations.
