relaxed
UK[rɪˈlækst]US[rɪˈlækst]
adj
feeling calm and not worried or tense
adj
(of a situation, atmosphere, or place) comfortable and informal; not stiff or strict
Morpheme Breakdown
re
lax
ed
re
again, back
lax
loose
ed
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'relaxed' originates from the latin verb 'relaxare', which is a compound of the prefix 're-' (meaning "back") and 'laxare' (meaning "to loosen"). 'laxare' itself derives from the adjective 'laxus', meaning "loose or slack". the literal sense of 'relaxare' was to loosen something back to its original, less tense state. this physical notion of loosening was metaphorically extended to the mind and manners, leading to the modern english meaning of being free from tension or strictness. the '-ed' suffix was added to form the participial adjective describing the resultant state.
Analysis
Structure: re (again, back) + lax (loose) + ed (adjective suffix)
- re: latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
- lax: latin origin, from the root of 'laxus' meaning "loose, slack".
- ed: old english origin, a suffix used to form adjectives from verbs or nouns, indicating a state or condition.
Examples
she felt relaxed and happy after her holiday.
the restaurant has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
he adopted a relaxed approach to the rules.