Relieved
/rɪˈliːvd/
adjectiveB1past participle (used as adjective)
Definition
Relieved means feeling less worried, stressed, or scared after a problem or danger is gone or avoided. It is an emotion people have when they stop feeling bad or nervous about something.
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See It in Action
Feeling happy or calm because a problem or danger has passed
- •She felt relieved when her exam results were good.
- •I was relieved to find my keys after searching for an hour.
- •They were relieved when the storm stopped and everyone was safe.
Showing or expressing this feeling
- •He gave a relieved smile after hearing the good news.
- •She looked relieved when the doctor said the test was normal.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "relieved" like "happy," but it happens after a problem is solved or danger passes—it’s a special kind of happiness that comes from no longer feeling worried.
- ✓Picture a heavy weight lifting off your chest after you hear good news or find out something bad did not happen.
- ✓It’s the warm, calm feeling you get when a test is over and you know you did well or when a lost pet comes back home safe.
- ✓Sounds like "re-LEEVED" → imagine someone breathing out deeply, like a sigh of relief after tension.
- ✓Remember the feeling when a scary storm ends and the sun comes out—this calm after fear is relief.
- ✓NOT like "happy" (general good feeling), "relieved" is specifically about the end of worry or fear.
- ✓NOT like "calm" (always peaceful), "relieved" happens after stress or fear disappears.
- ✓NOT like "excited" (looking forward to something), "relieved" is about feeling better after something bad is over.
Try Other Words
- •Glad: feeling happy about something good happening (Use when the focus is on happiness, not specifically after worry ends)
- •Comforted: feeling better because of support (Use when someone helps you feel less worried or sad)
- •At ease: feeling calm and relaxed (Use when stress or fear is gone, similar to relieved but more about calmness)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: re- (again, back)
- •Root: lieve (from Latin "levare" meaning to lift or lighten)
- •Etymology: From Latin "relevare," meaning to lift up or make lighter
- •Historical development: Originally meant to lift a burden or weight; later used for emotional relief or easing worry
- •Modern usage: Used to describe the feeling of less stress or worry after a problem ends or is avoided
Reflect & Connect
•Can you remember a time when you felt relieved? What happened just before that feeling?
•How is feeling relieved different from just feeling happy or calm?
Fill in the blanks
1.She felt relieved ___ the test was easier than she expected.
2.After hearing the good news, he breathed out ___ and looked relieved.
3.You feel relieved when a problem is solved, but not when you just feel ___.
4.When the doctor said the results were normal, the family was visibly ___.
5.People often say "I'm relieved" after they avoid ___ or danger.
6.Feeling relieved usually comes ___ feeling worried or scared.
7.The smile on her face was ___ because she was no longer afraid.