lax

/læks/

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Word: Lax

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition:

The word "lax" describes something that is not strict, firm, or careful enough. It can refer to rules, behavior, or physical qualities. When something is lax, it may be too relaxed or loose.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "lax" to talk about situations where there is a lack of strictness or where things are not well-maintained.
• It can also refer to physical qualities, such as a loose rope or a weak handshake.

Examples:

1. Everyday Use:

   • "The school has been too lax about homework deadlines, and many students are not taking it seriously."
   • "He gave a lax handshake, which made me feel like he wasn't very confident."

2. Advanced Use:

   • "The lax enforcement of safety regulations can lead to serious accidents in the workplace."
   • "Her lax approach to studying resulted in poor grades this semester."

Word Variants:

• Laxity (noun): The quality of being lax.
  • Example: "The laxity in the rules allowed for too much leniency."
• Laxly (adverb): In a lax manner.
  • Example: "He completed his tasks laxly and missed important details."

Different Meanings:

• Physical Aspect: Describing something that is loose or not tight, like a "lax rope."
• Behavioral Aspect: Referring to a lack of discipline, such as being "lax in attending classes."

Synonyms:

• Slack
• Relaxed
• Loose
• Negligent
• Indifferent

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Lax in: To be careless or not strict about something.
  • Example: "He was lax in his duties as a manager."
• Too lax for comfort: This phrase means that something is so relaxed that it could lead to problems or issues.
  • Example: "The security measures were too lax for comfort, making everyone feel unsafe."

Summary:

"Lax" is a descriptive word that indicates a lack of strictness or firmness, whether in rules, behavior, or physical objects.

Academic

Adjective

1. emptying easily or excessively
   • loose bowels
2. lacking in strength or firmness or resilience
   • a lax rope
   • a limp handshake
3. pronounced with muscles of the tongue and jaw relatively relaxed (e.g., the vowel sound in `bet')
4. lacking in rigor or strictness
   • such lax and slipshod ways are no longer acceptable
   • lax in attending classes
   • slack in maintaining discipline

Synonyms

• loose
• slack