Relieved Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'relieved'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'relieved' originates from the Old French word 'relever', meaning 'to raise, relieve'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the sense of 'to alleviate pain, distress, anxiety'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in the 16th century, conveying a sense of being free from worry or anxiety.


See also: relief, relieve, reliever.

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.