respite vs pause

respite and pause both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
respite	Yes	No	Yes	No
pause	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, pause is a hypernym of respite; that is, pause is a word with a broader meaning than respite:

As nouns, pause is a hypernym of respite; that is, pause is a word with a broader meaning than respite:

respite: a pause for relaxation
pause: a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something

Other hypernyms of respite include break, intermission, interruption, suspension.

respite (noun)	pause (noun)
a pause from doing something (as work)	temporary inactivity
the act of reprieving; postponing or remitting punishment	a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
an interruption in the intensity or amount of something
a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort
a pause for relaxation

respite (verb)	pause (verb)
postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution	cease an action temporarily
	interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing