Remission refers to a temporary or permanent reduction in the severity, extent, or frequency of symptoms, signs, or characteristics of a particular disease. In other words, it is when the condition of an illness improves and its effects are reduced. Remission can occur spontaneously, as a result of treatment, or due to changes in lifestyle habits such as diet or exercise. It is often used interchangeably with "cure," but while remission may indicate that the disease has improved for now, it does not necessarily mean that it will never return.