English Reference

Word

relaxing

Phoneticsre·lax·ing, stress on the second syllable

US/ɹiˈɫæksɪŋ/

UK/ɹɪlˈæksɪŋ/

Definitions

01calming

A2 · Elementary

adj. making you feel calm and happy because you are not worried or busy.

adj. conducive to relaxation; having a soothing or calming effect on the mind or body.

“Listening to the sound of the rain is very relaxing when I am trying to sleep.”

“The spa offers a variety of relaxing treatments designed to alleviate the chronic tension often experienced by office workers.”

Pitfall

I feel very relaxing after my holiday.

I feel very relaxed after my holiday.

Use 'relaxing' to describe the thing that makes you feel good (the holiday), but use 'relaxed' to describe your own feelings.

Synonyms

calmingsoothingrestful

Antonyms

stressfultiringhectic

02becoming less tense

B1 · Intermediate

v. the action of becoming less tight or less worried.

v. the present participle of 'relax', indicating the ongoing process of reducing tension, rigour, or firmness.

“I could feel my muscles relaxing as soon as I stepped into the warm bath.”

“By slowly relaxing the grip on the steering wheel, the driver managed to regain control of the vehicle on the icy patch.”

Synonyms

looseningunwinding

Antonyms

tighteningtensing

03the act of resting

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the activity of spending time resting or doing something enjoyable.

n. the gerund form representing the act or process of achieving a state of rest or decreased tension.

“Relaxing is just as important for your health as working hard.”

“The doctor emphasised that consistent relaxing is essential for patients recovering from high-stress cardiac events.”

Synonyms

relaxationleisure

Antonyms

exertionlabour

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “relaxing” in context.

Verb

01. find the music relaxing

“I find the music relaxing when I am trying to study for my exams.”

verb + noun + adj

02. sound relaxing

“A walk in the park sounds relaxing after a long day at the office.”

verb + adj

Adjective

03. incredibly relaxing

“Listening to the sound of the rain was incredibly relaxing.”

adv + adj

04. relaxing atmosphere

“The hotel lobby had a very relaxing atmosphere with soft music and dim lights.”

adj + noun

05. relaxing to watch

“The fish swimming in the tank are very relaxing to watch.”

adj + infinitive

06. relaxing weekend

“We had a relaxing weekend at the beach and feel completely refreshed.”

adj + noun

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference