comic relief

noun

an amusing scene, incident, or speech introduced into serious or tragic elements, as in a play, in order to provide temporary relief from tension, or to intensify the dramatic action.
relief from tension caused by the introduction or occurrence of a comic element, as by an amusing human foible.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of comic relief¹

First recorded in 1815–25

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Initially, we can’t wait for Iacono’s louse to get eaten but we come to treasure his comic relief, particularly when Xavier wanders off to relieve himself next to a nest of velociraptors.

From

The prize draw raised more than £4m for Comic Relief.

From

Vicky Curtis-Cresswell said she felt "pure joy" after winning the property in Blakeney, Norfolk, in an Omaze and Comic Relief raffle.

From

Living multiple lives is also something Zach Cherry, who provides both comic relief and pathos as fellow data refiner Dylan, understands.

From

Otherwise, they are comic relief.

From

comic opera comic strip

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