relaxation

/ˌriːlækˈseɪʃən/
state of being relaxed

After a long week, she found true relaxation in a quiet forest.

She felt peaceful and stress-free while walking through the woods.


neutral

the state of being free from tension and anxiety; a peaceful state of mind.

Yoga and meditation promote relaxation.

These activities help reduce stress and create a calm mental state.

The spa offers a range of relaxation treatments.

Services like massages and aromatherapy help guests unwind.

Often used in contexts related to stress relief, wellness, or leisure activities.

Collocations

deep relaxationa state of profound calmnessmuscle relaxationthe process of relieving muscle tensionrelaxation techniquea method to reduce stress or anxietyperiod of relaxationa time dedicated to unwinding

Related Phrases

let your hair downidiom
to relax and behave freely without worry
kick backphrasal verb
to relax in a comfortable position

Pro Tip

Common Mistakes

Avoid using 'relaxation' to mean 'rest' or 'sleep'—it implies a mental state of calmness rather than physical inactivity.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

Use 'relaxation' for mental/emotional calmness, not physical rest. For example, 'I need relaxation' (mental) vs. 'I need rest' (physical).

Word Origin

From Latin 'relaxatio(n-)', meaning 'a loosening or slackening', derived from 'relaxare' (to loosen, relax), from 're-' (back, again) + 'laxare' (to loosen). First recorded in English in the 15th century.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in both everyday and technical contexts (e.g., psychology, wellness, or physical therapy). Often paired with activities like reading, napping, or spa visits.

Word Breakdown

relax
to make or become less tense
root
+
-ation
forms nouns indicating action or result
suffix
English Dictionary