relaxation

/,ri:læk'seiʃn/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
relaxation

He enjoys a moment of relaxation by reading a book in his favorite armchair.

Definition

Noun: 1. The state or process of becoming less tense, strict, or severe: This refers to a reduction in physical tightness, mental stress, or the strictness of rules. 2. Freedom from work, strain, or responsibility; rest or leisure: This describes a period of inactivity or recreation for the purpose of rest. 3. A feeling of calmness and tranquility, an absence of tension or worry: This is the subjective emotional or mental state resulting from relaxation. 4. (Physics) The process by which a disturbed system returns to equilibrium: This is a technical term for the return to a stable state after a disturbance. 5. (Physiology) The lengthening of inactive muscle fibers: This is the specific biological state of a muscle when it is not contracted.

Usage Examples
  • As a state/process (less tense/strict):
    • The relaxation of the rules allowed for more creative expression.
    • Yoga promotes muscle relaxation and flexibility.
  • As freedom from activity:
    • I use reading as a form of relaxation after a long day.
    • The weekend is a time for relaxation and family.
  • As a feeling:
    • A feeling of deep relaxation washed over her as she listened to the music.
    • He sought the relaxation that comes from being in nature.
  • (Technical/Scientific contexts):
    • The relaxation time of the material determines how quickly it returns to its original shape. (Physics)
    • Muscle relaxation is as important as contraction for proper movement. (Physiology)
Advanced Usage
  • "Relaxation of...": A common collocation indicating what is being made less strict or tense.
    • The relaxation of trade barriers boosted the economy.
    • The relaxation of his grip allowed the rope to slip.
  • "For relaxation": Used to state the purpose of an activity.
    • She goes to the spa for relaxation.
  • "A relaxation technique": A specific method used to induce a state of calm.
    • Deep breathing is a simple but effective relaxation technique.
Variants and Related Words
  • Relax (verb): To become or make someone/something less tense or rigid; to rest.
    • He needs to relax and stop worrying.
  • Relaxed (adjective): Feeling or appearing free from tension or anxiety; not formal.
    • She had a relaxed attitude towards the schedule.
    • The dress code for the party is relaxed.
  • Relaxing (adjective): Causing a feeling of relaxation.
    • We spent a relaxing afternoon by the lake.
Synonyms
  • Rest: Cessation of work or activity to recover strength.
  • Leisure: Free time when one is not working.
  • Unwinding: The process of relaxing after stress.
  • Repose (formal): A state of rest or tranquility.
  • Easing: The act of making something less severe or intense.
Antonyms
  • Tension: The state of being stretched tight, mental or emotional strain.
  • Stress: A state of mental or emotional strain.
  • Work: Activity involving mental or physical effort.
  • Strictness: The quality of being demanding or severe.
Idioms and Phrases
  • "A little rest and relaxation (R&R)": A common phrase referring to time taken off for leisure and recovery.
    • After the project, the team deserved some R&R.
relaxation

He enjoys a moment of relaxation by reading a book in his favorite armchair.

Noun
  1. the act of making less strict
  2. a method of solving simultaneous equations by guessing a solution and then reducing the errors that result by successive approximations until all the errors are less than some specified amount
  3. freedom from activity (work or strain or responsibility)
    • took his repose by the swimming pool
  4. an occurrence of control or strength weakening
    • the relaxation of requirements
    • the loosening of his grip
    • the slackening of the wind
  5. a feeling of refreshing tranquility and an absence of tension or worry
    • the easiness we feel when sleeping
  6. (physics) the exponential return of a system to equilibrium after a disturbance
  7. (physiology) the gradual lengthening of inactive muscle or muscle fibers