relaxation vs respite

relaxation

noun
  • The release following musical tension. 

  • The transition of a nucleus, atom or molecule from a higher energy level to a lower one; the opposite of excitation 

  • A diminution of tone, tension, or firmness; specifically in pathology: a looseness; a diminution of the natural and healthy tone of parts. 

  • Remission of attention or application. 

  • The act of relaxing or the state of being relaxed; the opposite of stress or tension; the aim of recreation and leisure activities. 

  • Unbending; recreation; a state or occupation intended to give mental or bodily relief after effort. 

  • Remission or abatement of rigor. 

respite

noun
  • A short period of spoken dialogue in an otherwise sung-through musical. 

  • The delay of appearance at court granted to a jury beyond the proper term. 

  • A brief interval of rest or relief. 

  • A reprieve, especially from a sentence of death. 

verb
  • To delay or postpone (an event). 

  • To allow (a person) extra time to fulfil some obligation. 

How often have the words relaxation and respite occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )