relaxation
ree-lak-SAY-shuhn
Relaxation (noun) means a state of rest and reduced tension, or an activity that produces it. Example: “A hot bath is her favourite form of relaxation.”
noun
1
A state of rest and reduced tension, or an activity that produces it.
"A hot bath is her favourite form of relaxation."
"The spa offers massages designed purely for relaxation."
"Gardening gives him a sense of calm and relaxation after a busy week."
2
A loosening or lessening of something strict, such as a rule or restriction.
"The new policy allowed a relaxation of the dress code."
"The council announced a relaxation of the parking rules during the festival."
"Parents asked for a relaxation of the strict homework policy."
How to use relaxation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe state of being relaxed, or an easing-up of tension or rules.
Common pairings
deep relaxation
relaxation techniques
relaxation of restrictions
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Word forms
- Plural
- relaxations
Fill the gap
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A hot bath is her favourite form of _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin relaxatio, itself formed from relax plus the noun-forming suffix -ation.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for relaxation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for relaxation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “relaxation” mean?
The word “relaxation” means a state of rest and reduced tension, or an activity that produces it. In plain terms, the state of being relaxed, or an easing-up of tension or rules.
How do you pronounce “relaxation”?
“Relaxation” is pronounced ree-lak-SAY-shuhn (/rᵻˌlækˈseɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “relaxation” in a sentence?
Here is “relaxation” used in a sentence: “A hot bath is her favourite form of relaxation.”
What part of speech is “relaxation”?
“Relaxation” is a noun.
Where does the word “relaxation” come from?
The word “relaxation” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin relaxatio, itself formed from relax plus the noun-forming suffix -ation.
Is “relaxation” a common word?
“Relaxation” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “relaxation” have?
“Relaxation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a state of rest and reduced tension, or an activity that produces it.
What is the difference between relaxation and rest?
Relaxation refers to a state of reduced tension or an activity that produces that state, such as reading or taking a bath. Rest more specifically means ceasing activity or exertion, often to recover physical or mental energy, such as sleeping or sitting still. Relaxation can happen during an active pastime, while rest usually implies stopping activity altogether.
What is the difference between relaxation and leisure?
Relaxation describes the state of reduced tension itself or an activity aimed at achieving it. Leisure describes free time available for any activity of one's choosing, which may or may not be relaxing. Leisure time can be spent on relaxation, but it can also be spent on demanding hobbies.
How is relaxation used to describe a rule change?
Relaxation can describe a loosening or lessening of something strict, such as a relaxation of a dress code or a relaxation of trade restrictions. In this sense the word refers to rules becoming less rigid rather than to rest or calm.
