period when symptoms improve or disappear

remission

noun|/rɪˈmɪʃ.ən/

A temporary or permanent decrease in severity of disease symptoms

Examples

In a meeting

After implementing the new policies, we saw workplace injuries go into remission.

Over coffee

Her cancer is in remission, which is incredible news.

Why this word

improvement

remission specifically means temporary or permanent absence of disease symptoms, improvement is vague progress

recovery

remission indicates disease is not active but may return, recovery suggests complete healing

relief

remission is the medical term for disease subsiding, relief is general reduction of discomfort

Usage tip

Primarily medical but can be used metaphorically for any condition improving or subsiding temporarily.

Etymology

Latin: remissio (relaxation, diminishing)

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