rest
UK[rest]US[rest]
n
The part that is left after other people or things have gone, been used, or been dealt with.
n
A period of relaxing, sleeping, or doing nothing after a period of activity.
v
To relax, sleep, or do nothing after a period of activity or illness.
v
To be placed on or supported by something.
Etymology
The English word 'rest' originates from the Old English 'ræst, rest', which is related to the Old High German 'rasta' meaning "rest" and the Old Norse 'röst' meaning "mile" or "resting place." These Germanic terms likely stem from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to stand still" or "to be firm." The core semantic journey connects this ancient sense of firmness or stillness to the modern concepts of ceasing activity for relaxation and that which remains stable or is left over. Over time, the word branched into its dual modern meanings: one pertaining to repose and the other to what is remaining, both united by the underlying idea of a state of inactivity or stability.
Analysis
The word 'rest' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It represents a single, indivisible lexical unit in modern English, derived from the Old English 'ræst, rest' meaning "rest, bed, intermission of labor."
Examples
I need to get some rest before the long journey tomorrow.
She ate half the pizza and saved the rest for later.
The ladder rests firmly against the wall.