ENGLISH
REFERENCE

relaxing

adj. · v. · n.
US //ɹiˈɫæksɪŋ// UK //ɹɪlˈæksɪŋ// re·lax·ing
  1. 1 calming (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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.

  2. 2 becoming less tense (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the action of becoming less tight or less worried.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    By slowly relaxing the grip on the steering wheel, the driver managed to regain control of the vehicle on the icy patch.
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  1. 3 the act of resting (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the activity of spending time resting or doing something enjoyable.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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