Relieved: meaning, definitions and examples

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relieved

 

[rɪˈliːvd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling of reassurance

Feeling no longer worried or anxious; reassured.

Synonyms

calmed, comforted, reassured.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
relieved

Use this when someone feels better because they no longer need to worry about something.

  • She was relieved to hear that her friend was safe.
  • He felt relieved after passing his final exam.
reassured

This is useful when someone feels confident or secure because they were given information or encouragement that everything will be okay.

  • The doctor reassured him that the surgery was a minor procedure.
  • She reassured her team that their project was on track.
comforted

Use this when someone feels better because they received support or consolation during a difficult time.

  • She was comforted by her friends after the loss of her pet.
  • He comforted her with kind words when she was sad.
calmed

This is appropriate for describing someone who becomes relaxed after being upset or anxious.

  • The mother calmed her baby by singing a lullaby.
  • He calmed down after taking a few deep breaths.

Examples of usage

  • I felt relieved when I found out that my family was safe.
  • She was relieved to hear that the test results were negative.
Context #2 | Adjective

stress relief

Providing a feeling of relaxation or release from tension or stress.

Synonyms

comforting, relaxing, soothing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
relieved

Employed when a person feels glad because a burden, worry, or stress has been lifted or resolved.

  • She felt relieved after finishing her exams
  • He was relieved to hear that his friend was safe
relaxing

Refers to actions or settings that help a person feel less tense, more at ease and calm.

  • Listening to music can be very relaxing
  • A day at the spa was relaxing for her
soothing

Describes something that calms or reduces pain, anxiety, or discomfort; often related to physical symptoms or emotional states.

  • The doctor's voice was soothing
  • The ointment had a soothing effect on the burn
comforting

Used when providing solace, reassurance, and a sense of safety to someone in distress or discomfort.

  • Her words were comforting in that difficult time
  • The warm blanket was comforting on a cold night

Examples of usage

  • The hot bath was a relieved experience after a long day at work.
  • He let out a relieved sigh after finishing the difficult task.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'relieved' comes from the Old French word 'reliever,' meaning to alleviate or lighten.
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'relevo,' which means to raise up or relieve from a burden.
  • The meaning has evolved over centuries to encompass emotional and physical easing of burdens.

Psychology

  • Experiencing relief can trigger the release of chemicals like dopamine in the brain, leading to feelings of happiness.
  • Studies show that anticipating relief can be just as satisfying as the relief itself, influencing our behaviors and emotions.
  • People often express relief through laughter or sighs, as an involuntary way to release tension.

Literature

  • Relieved characters often symbolize hope and resilience, appearing in many literary works during key turning points.
  • In classical tragedies, moments of relief can be seen when characters overcome obstacles, offering a glimmer of hope.
  • Novels frequently explore themes of relief in personal growth stories, where characters find peace after hardship.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, a common trope is the moment when a character breathes a sigh of relief after resolving a conflict, symbolizing emotional release.
  • Songs often capture the theme of relief, focusing on the happiness from overcoming sadness or anxiety, making it relatable to many listeners.
  • Television shows frequently use comedic relief scenes to balance tension, creating moments where both characters and viewers can feel lighter.

Health

  • Relief can be linked to physical health; for instance, pain relief management is a critical aspect of healthcare.
  • Practices like deep breathing and mindfulness are shown to help reduce stress and enhance feelings of relief in individuals.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy often focuses on identifying moments of relief as milestones in managing anxiety and depression.

Translations

Translations of the word "relieved" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aliviado

🇮🇳 राहत महसूस करना

🇩🇪 erleichtert

🇮🇩 lega

🇺🇦 полегшений

🇵🇱 ulżony

🇯🇵 安心した (あんしんした)

🇫🇷 soulagé

🇪🇸 aliviado

🇹🇷 rahatlamış

🇰🇷 안도하는 (andohaneun)

🇸🇦 مرتاح

🇨🇿 ulevený

🇸🇰 uvoľnený

🇨🇳 宽慰的 (kuān wèi de)

🇸🇮 olajšan

🇮🇸 léttur

🇰🇿 жеңілденген

🇬🇪 განთავისუფლებული

🇦🇿 rahatlanmış

🇲🇽 aliviado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,428, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.