Relax
/rɪˈlæks/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo become or cause someone to become less tense, anxious, or stiff; to rest or do something enjoyable after doing work or after being active.
/rɪˈlæks/
To become or make less tense or anxious.
I try to relax by taking deep breaths.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're all wound up like a toy. To relax is like taking the key out and letting all the tension go! Think of a day at the beach: you're relaxing by the water.
👶 For kids: When you relax, you calm down and feel happy and not worried.
More Examples
The massage helped me relax my tense shoulders.
Can you relax a little and tell me what happened?
How It's Used
"I try to relax by listening to music after a long day."
"Breathing exercises can help you relax your muscles."
To make something, such as rules or restrictions, less severe or strict.
/rɪˈlæks/
To make something less strict or severe.
The airline relaxed its baggage allowance.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have rules for a game, but you decide to make them a bit easier, maybe so everyone can have more fun. You're relaxing the rules!
👶 For kids: When grownups make rules less strong.
More Examples
They are planning to relax the speed limit on the highway.
The committee relaxed its rules on public comment.
How It's Used
"The government decided to relax the trade restrictions."
"The company relaxed its dress code for Fridays."
Idioms & expressions
to relax and unwind
To become calm and less stressed, often by doing something enjoyable.
"After a tough week, I need to relax and unwind by the beach."
take it easy
To relax and not worry or work too hard.
"After a long day at work, I just want to take it easy."
From Latin relaxare, meaning 'to loosen, release'. Related to re- (again) and laxare (to loosen).
The word 'relax' has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to the loosening of something physically or metaphorically.
Memory tip
Think of 're' (again) and 'lax' (loose). To relax is to become loose again.