relieved at

USAGE SUMMARY

"relieved at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express relief, usually when something bad was avoided or prevented. For example, "After the incident, I was relieved at the fact that no one was hurt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was relieved at my narrow escape.

The New York Times

Douglas was relieved at the topic.

The New Yorker

His agent will be relieved, at least.

The Guardian - Film

Some Eurocrats were relieved at Mr Cameron's pro-European tone.

The Economist

And she was relieved at the low price.

The New York Times

He is relieved at first, then humiliated by the knowledge.

The New Yorker

We are relieved at the stabilization of the franc.

The New Yorker

They, at least, will be relieved at his victory.

The Economist

Investors were clearly relieved at the results at both banks.

The New York Times

Ms. Palin appeared relieved at her exuberant reception.

The New York Times

I remember being relieved at discovering a way to frame my decision.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relieved at" to express a feeling of comfort and happiness after a period of anxiety or stress, particularly when a negative outcome has been avoided.

Common error

Avoid using "relieved from" when you mean to express the cause of your relief. "Relieved from" typically refers to being freed from a duty or obligation, whereas "relieved at" expresses a feeling related to a specific event or news.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relieved at" functions as an adjectival phrase, describing a state of feeling or emotion. It usually modifies a subject, indicating that the subject experiences a sense of relief due to a specific event, situation, or news. Ludwig's examples show usage in describing reactions to various events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Huffington Post

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relieved at" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a sense of relief or alleviation from stress or worry, particularly concerning a specific event or situation. According to Ludwig, its primary function is adjectival, describing the emotional state of a subject. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, especially news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it reflects a genuine sense of relief due to a positive outcome or avoided negative one. Remembering to use "at" to indicate the specific cause of relief, rather than "from", is essential for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Eased by

Highlights the reduction of worry, pain, or difficulty.

Reassured by

Highlights the restoration of confidence and peace of mind.

Heartened by

Indicates an increase in courage and optimism.

Encouraged by

Focuses on gaining confidence or motivation from something.

Comforted by

Focuses on the sense of being consoled or eased by something.

Gratified by

Implies a deeper sense of satisfaction and thankfulness.

Pleased with

Emphasizes satisfaction and contentment with a specific outcome or situation.

Delighted by

Conveys a strong feeling of joy and pleasure.

Content with

Implies a state of happiness and satisfaction.

Soothed by

Suggests a calming or pacifying effect from something.

FAQs

How can I use "relieved at" in a sentence?

You can use "relieved at" to express a feeling of comfort and happiness after a period of anxiety or stress, particularly when a negative outcome has been avoided. For example, "I was "relieved at" the news that everyone was safe after the storm".

What are some alternatives to "relieved at"?

You can use alternatives like "comforted by", "reassured by", or "pleased with" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "relieved at" or "relieved about"?

Both "relieved at" and "relieved about" are acceptable, but "relieved at" is typically used to express relief regarding a specific event or situation, while "relieved about" can be used more generally. The nuances are slight, and either can often be used interchangeably.

What's the difference between ""relieved at"" and "relieved that"?

While both convey relief, "relieved at" is followed by a noun or noun phrase, while "relieved that" is followed by a clause. For instance, "I was "relieved at" the outcome" versus "I was relieved that the outcome was positive".