relieved

word · lemma: relieve

/ɹiˈɫivd/
ri-LEEVD
/ɹɪlˈiːvd/
ri-LEEVD

Definition

Feeling happy and relaxed because something difficult, worrying, or painful has ended or did not happen. It describes the release of stress, fear, or pressure.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly used after verbs like 'feel', 'look', and 'be': 'I felt relieved', 'She looked relieved'. It usually follows bad news, stress, a mistake, or uncertainty ending. Don't confuse it with 'relaxed': 'relieved' is about stress going away for a specific reason.

Example Sentences

You could hear how relieved he was in his voice.

natural

I was relieved when the doctor said I was fine.

basic

She looked relieved after the test.

basic

We were relieved that the storm missed our town.

basic

Honestly, I was so relieved when she finally texted back.

natural

I'm just relieved it's over, to be honest.

natural