relaxing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "relaxing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to something that is calming or soothing. For example: After a long day at the office, nothing is more relaxing than a hot bath.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was probably relaxing in some luxurious dwelling beside a cosy open fire, wondering how he could further enrage Isis, while we all stood in the widdling rain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Liberal Democrats passed a motion at conference calling on the government to "expand the bank's scale and remit as fast as possible, including relaxing the restriction on its ability to borrow before total public sector debt begins to fall".

The Guardian

Once you get over the weirdness, the atmosphere at Meltdown is quite relaxing.

The Guardian - Tech

Yet it is understood that they are sprucing up their offer, slimming down their austerity demands, and relaxing debt repayments.

The Guardian

Chema had finished 75 minutes ago and was already relaxing back in camp, but as I lay staring at the sky it felt fantastic to know I had run the best race I could on the day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With private pool, personal chef and relaxing surroundings, it's a great base to explore the mountains but close enough to the capital for day trips.

The Guardian - Travel

"We pride ourselves on delivering a relaxing and pleasant experience in first, and are taking immediate action to address this issue".

The Guardian

"Great," he said, sitting back in his chair and relaxing.

The Guardian

Like Vejer itself, the hotel has a long history (it's made up of eight houses, dating from the 10th to the 17th centuries, with a 1,000-year-old 1,000-year-old 1,000-year-oldyards and a grain store), and is aesthetically pleasing and seductively relaxing.

The Guardian - Travel

Buy-to-let mortgages are not subject to new lending rules which came into force last year, and banks and building societies keen to build market share have been relaxing restrictions on buy-to-let loans and cutting interest rates.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As hard as you work you know that relaxing and resting are essential for you to function as a human being, and after having worked two jobs you're likely to have forgotten how to relax.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an experience, use "relaxing" in conjunction with sensory details to enhance the reader's sense of calm and comfort. For example, "The warm sunlight and gentle breeze created a truly relaxing atmosphere."

Common error

Avoid using "relaxing" excessively in formal or professional writing where a more precise or sophisticated term like "calming" or "restful" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "relaxing" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that induces calmness or reduces stress. Ludwig examples show it describing "surroundings", "experience", "atmosphere" and more.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Travel

21%

Lifestyle

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "relaxing" functions primarily as an adjective used to describe experiences, environments, or activities that promote calmness and reduce stress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in various contexts. While generally neutral, it may be more suited for informal settings compared to synonyms like "calming" or "soothing" in more formal or professional discourse. Its frequency is notably high in News & Media, Travel, and Lifestyle content. To enhance your writing, consider incorporating sensory details when using "relaxing" to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. Be mindful of the specific tone and register required by your audience and choose the most appropriate synonym accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calming

Focuses on the act of reducing stress or agitation.

soothing

Emphasizes providing comfort or relief from distress.

restful

Highlights providing rest and recuperation.

peaceful

Stresses the absence of disturbance or conflict.

tranquil

Implies a serene and undisturbed atmosphere.

serene

Highlights a state of calm and untroubledness.

leisurely

Focuses on unhurried and relaxed pace.

unwinding

Emphasizes the process of releasing tension.

rejuvenating

Highlights restoring vitality and energy.

refreshing

Focuses on providing a feeling of renewed energy.

FAQs

How can I use "relaxing" in a sentence?

You can use "relaxing" to describe activities, places, or experiences that promote calmness. For example, "Taking a long bath is a very relaxing way to end the day".

What are some alternatives to the word "relaxing"?

You can use alternatives like "calming", "soothing", or "restful" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "relaxing" a formal or informal word?

"Relaxing" is generally considered a neutral word suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal synonyms might be preferred in certain professional settings.

What makes something "relaxing"?

Something is "relaxing" if it reduces stress, eases tension, and promotes a sense of calm and well-being. This can vary greatly from person to person.