relax
Translation
to relax, to unwind, to loosen
Examples
I like to relax with a good book.
I like to relax with a good book.
Relax your shoulders.
Relax your shoulders.
The government may relax the rules.
The government may relax the rules.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to rest or become less anxious I like to relax with a good book.
((sth.)) to make (a part of the body) less stiff Relax your shoulders.
((sth.)) to make (a rule or law) less strict The government may relax the rules.
Similar Words
Synonyms: unwind, rest, loosen; Antonyms: tense, tighten, stress
Etymology
From Latin 'relaxare', meaning 'to loosen, stretch out'. It breaks down into 're-' (back, again) and 'laxus' (loose).
Memory Tips
Imagine letting go of a tight rope, making it 'lax' again ('re-'). That's what you do to your muscles when you relax.