comic relief


comic relief

n. A humorous or farcical interlude in a serious literary work or drama, especially a tragedy, intended to relieve the dramatic tension or heighten the emotional impact by means of contrast.

com′ic relief′


n. 1. an amusing scene or incident in a serious or tragic setting, as in a play, providing temporary relief from tension or dramatic action. 2. relief from tension caused by the introduction of a comic element. [1815–25]
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