Restless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฌ
restless
[หrษstlษชs ]
Definitions
feeling
Unable to rest, relax, or be still; constantly moving or changing position.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| restless |
Often describes someone who cannot stay still due to boredom or anxiety. It can relate to both physical movement and psychological unrest.
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| agitated |
Describes someone who is very upset or nervous, usually due to stress or excitement. It implies a higher level of emotional disturbance.
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| unsettled |
Describes a feeling of discomfort or unease, often due to a lack of stability or certainty. It can refer to both emotional states and situations.
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| fidgety |
Used for someone who is making a lot of small movements, often because they are nervous or bored. It is commonly used for minor, habitual actions.
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Examples of usage
- She felt restless and couldn't sit still.
- He had a restless night, tossing and turning in bed.
behavior
Showing or feeling unease or dissatisfaction; not content or satisfied.
Synonyms
discontented, impatient, restive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| restless |
Use 'restless' to describe a state of unease or inability to calm down, often due to boredom or anxiety.
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| impatient |
Use 'impatient' to describe a lack of patience or tolerance, often when someone is unwilling to wait for something or someone.
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| discontented |
Use 'discontented' to describe a feeling of dissatisfaction or unhappiness with a situation or condition.
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| restive |
Use 'restive' to describe a state of nervousness or resistance, often related to being restrained or under control. It may have a slightly negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The restless crowd grew increasingly impatient.
- He was restless in his job, always seeking new challenges.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Many individuals experience restlessness as a symptom of anxiety, making it hard to find peace.
- Children with attention issues often display restlessness, struggling to stay seated or focused for long periods.
- Restlessness can also occur during times of change or uncertainty, as individuals may feel uneasy about the future.
Literature
- Famous authors like Virginia Woolf often used restlessness in their characters to explore deeper themes of existential angst.
- In poetry, restlessness is frequently used to convey the urgency of life or the desire for freedom.
Pop Culture
- In films, characters marked as restless often symbolize youth and desire for adventure, like in the movie 'Into the Wild'.
- Restlessness appears in music as well, with numerous songs reflecting feelings of not being able to settle down, such as Bob Dylan's 'Like a Rolling Stone'.
Health and Wellness
- Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help alleviate feelings of restlessness, promoting relaxation.
- Physical activity, such as jogging or yoga, is recommended to channel restless energy in a positive way.
Origin of 'restless'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'restless', combining 'rest' with the suffix '-less', meaning 'without'.
- Historical texts used 'restless' as early as the 14th century, often describing peopleโs energetic behavior.
The word 'restless' originated from the Middle English word 'resteles', which was a combination of 'reste' meaning 'rest' and the suffix '-les' meaning 'without'. This reflects the idea of being without rest or unable to rest. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in Modern English, retaining its core meaning of being unable to rest or relax.
See also: rest, restaurant, resting, restive, restlessness, restroom, unrest.