COMIC RELIEF Definition & Meaning

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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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of comic relief¹

First recorded in 1815–25

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“Depending on the sensitivity and openness of the viewer, it can sometimes be grotesque, or it can be funny,” he adds about a disturbing dinner scene laced with comic relief.

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On what Comic Relief means to him, Ziggy said: "Not only is the day a way to raise lots of money for a great cause, I get to show off my collection which I don't get to do very often."

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Comic Relief will be broadcast from 19:00 GMT on BBC One and 22:00 GMT on BBC Two.

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Is this the world's biggest collection of Comic Relief memorabilia?

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She was speaking during Comic Relief: Funny for Money, which saw performances from the Sugababes and a host of 80s stars as well as sketches involving the Gladiators and Strictly Come Dancing professionals.

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