Relaxing
UK /["/rɪˈlæksɪŋ/"]/US /["/rɪˈlæksɪŋ/"]/
Definition
helping you to rest and become less anxious
In simple words: Something that helps you feel calm and at ease.
Examples
- a relaxing evening with friends
- a relaxing weekend/afternoon/holiday
- a relaxing bath/massage
- I find swimming very relaxing.
Usage notes
Use 'relaxing' to describe activities or environments that are calming. It's appropriate in most contexts, but avoid using it for serious topics.
Grammar pattern
relax + object
Memory hint
Think of 're' as restarting your mind and 'lax' as letting go.
Collocations
- relaxing music
- relaxing bath
- relaxing evening
Synonyms
- calming
- soothing
- leisurely
- unwinding
- peaceful
Antonyms
- stressful
- tense
- anxious
Common mistakes
- Using 'relaxing' as a noun instead of an adjective.
- Confusing 'relaxing' with 'relaxed' in terms of tense.
- Mixing up with similar sounding words like 'relax' and 'rely'.