slightly relaxed

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly relaxed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not completely relaxed but somewhat less tense than normal. For example: "The atmosphere was slightly relaxed after the meeting ended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

In an effort to undermine the black market, the government has slightly relaxed its ban.

The New York Times

That said, despite the agonising nature of the experience, I did actually feel slightly relaxed afterwards.

The Guardian - Music

Traditional restriction of symmetry of inertia, damping and stiffness matrices is slightly relaxed.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

This chapter proposes a novel cache architecture that efficiently and effectively uses memory, given a slightly relaxed accuracy requirement.

Network Processor Design Issues and Practices Volume 3

It has even slightly relaxed provisioning requirements and rules on valuation to speed an expansion of credit.

The Economist

Skutch (1948: 138) reported that a vocalizing individual "jerks its tail up and down with rapid but mincing strokes and shakes its slightly relaxed wings".

Cornell University

"Lose Yourself to Dance," another Williams track, is like a slightly relaxed "Get Lucky," which suggests that this album could be your summer.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The way the food stand owner ever-so-slightly relaxed with me after the white woman moved on.

Huffington Post

"You keep hearing people arguing that more time off might be good for the economy," said John de Graaf, the not-even-slightly-relaxed 70-year-old filmmaker who is the organisation's driving force.

The Guardian - Tech

Is it just us, or does the slightly-relaxed style make her look a million times more comfortable than everybody else?

Huffington Post

Their repayable interest is slightly lower than the other two aforementioned, with a slightly-relaxed 1percentt prime (meaning minimum allowable) rate.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a change in policy or regulation, use "slightly relaxed" to indicate a minor adjustment rather than a complete reversal. For example, "The dress code was slightly relaxed for the summer months."

Common error

Avoid using "slightly relaxed" when the situation requires a stronger term like "completely relaxed" or "significantly eased." "Slightly" implies a subtle change, so ensure it accurately reflects the extent of the adjustment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly relaxed" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe a state or condition that has become somewhat less tense, strict, or rigid. Examples show it modifying policies, rules, or even physical states, indicating a minor degree of change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly relaxed" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a subtle decrease in tension, strictness, or rigidity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, from describing policy changes to physical states. Its prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Academia underscores its versatility. When using "slightly relaxed", ensure the "slight" modifier accurately represents the extent of change to avoid overstatement. Alternatives such as "somewhat less tense" or "marginally eased" can offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. Overall, the expression is a valuable tool for precise and descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat less tense

Emphasizes a decrease in tension or stress, focusing on the feeling rather than a specific action or policy.

a bit more lenient

Highlights a marginal increase in permissiveness or tolerance, often used regarding rules or regulations.

marginally eased

Indicates a slight reduction in strictness or intensity, suitable for describing policies or physical states.

a touch more informal

Suggests a minor shift towards informality, applicable in describing atmospheres or styles.

somewhat alleviated

Focuses on the reduction of suffering or discomfort, implying a sense of relief.

moderately less rigid

Implies a decrease in inflexibility or strict adherence to rules.

noticeably softened

Suggests that something has become less harsh or severe in a way that is perceptible.

relatively unconstrained

Indicates a state where limitations or restrictions are less prominent.

passably calm

Conveys a state of being adequately, but not perfectly, composed or tranquil.

comparatively subdued

Implies a reduction in intensity or activity when compared to a previous or expected state.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly relaxed" in a sentence?

Use "slightly relaxed" to describe a minor reduction in tension, strictness, or rigidity. For example, "The atmosphere was "slightly relaxed" after the deadline was extended".

What's a more formal alternative to "slightly relaxed"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "marginally eased" or "somewhat alleviated". These alternatives offer a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone.

What is the difference between "slightly relaxed" and "completely relaxed"?

"Slightly relaxed" indicates a minor reduction in tension or strictness, while "completely relaxed" implies a total absence of tension or restrictions. The choice depends on the degree of change you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "slightly relaxed" instead of "more lenient"?

Use "slightly relaxed" when describing a subtle easing of tension or rigidity. "More lenient" is appropriate when referring to a change in rules or regulations that makes them less strict.