WordGarden.iorelax
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪlˈæks/
US
- /riˈlæks/
Meanings
Verb
to rest or become less mentally tense and stressed
to make a muscle, body, or posture less tight or stiff
to make rules, standards, or controls less strict
Beyond the definition
To relax is to let tension leave your body and mind. It can mean resting after stress, feeling less worried, or doing something that helps you feel calm, like reading, taking a warm bath, or listening to music. People also say it to someone who is upset: "Just relax," though that is not always easy. The word can also mean making something less strict, like relaxing a rule or a dress code.
Relax means to become free from tension and anxiety; to calm down and rest. It's more than just physical stillness—though a relaxed body often goes hand in hand with a relaxed mind. Think of a cat stretching languidly in the sun, or a river flowing gently after a storm. That's relaxation!
We often need to relax after periods of stress or intense activity. "After a long day at work, I like to relax by watching TV." But "relax" can also be used as an instruction—a plea for someone to calm down: "Relax, everything will be all right!" It's about letting go of worry and allowing your body and mind to find peace.
The concept of relaxation is important in many areas, from health and wellness (think yoga or meditation) to social situations. You might "relax the rules" a little when you're having fun with friends, or "relax your grip" on control to allow others to contribute.
Sometimes, we even relax things—like regulations or standards. For example, "The company decided to relax its dress code." This means they made it less strict.
So, whether it's about finding inner peace, easing tension, or loosening restrictions, to relax is to move towards a state of calm and ease.
Examples
- 1
Evening routine
I usually relax with a book before bed.
- 2
After travel
He took a long bath to help him relax after the flight.
- 3
Body instruction
Try to relax your shoulders before you lift the box.
- 4
Medical reassurance
She finally relaxed when the doctor said everything was fine.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Comfortable company
I can relax around my cousins because they never judge me.
- Patternrelax around + person
feel comfortable with them
- 6
Reassurance
Relax, I'm not angry with you.
- PhraseRelax, ...
a common way to tell someone not to worry or get upset
- 7
New role
After a few weeks, he started to relax into his new role.
- Patternrelax into + role/situation
gradually feel natural and comfortable in it
- 8
Official rules
The government relaxed the travel rules over the summer.
- Patternrelax + rule/restriction
make it less strict
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- de-stress
- loosen up
- lounge
Contrast
- tense up
- worry
Used with (collocations)
- relax after work
- try to relax
- relax your muscles
- sit back and relax
Word family
Explore
- stress relief
- mindfulness
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- relaxverb
Forms
- relaxedpast tenseverb
- relaxing-ing formverb
- relaxesverb