Is relieved a feeling or an action word?

Relieved is a feeling word. It describes how someone feels after worry or stress becomes less.

What is the difference between relieved and happy?

Relieved means a problem or worry has ended. Happy means you feel pleasure or joy, which is broader.

Can I say 'I am relieved' in formal writing?

Yes. It is common in both formal and everyday English, especially in reports, emails, and spoken English.

← Dictionary

relieved

/rɪˈliːvd/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Feeling less worried, upset, or stressed because a bad situation has improved or ended. It can also mean that a difficult feeling has gone away.

I felt relieved after the exam was over.
She was relieved to hear the good news.
We were relieved when the storm passed.

Adinary Nuance

Relieved is different from calm, happy, and satisfied. You feel relieved after a problem, fear, or worry goes away. It is often temporary and connected to a specific situation, not a general mood.

In other languages

Vietnamese: nhẹ nhõm
Spanish: aliviado
Chinese: 如释重负
Japanese: ほっとした
Korean: 안도한

Etymology

Relieved comes from the verb relieve, from Old French relever and Latin relevare, meaning “raise up” or “lighten.” In English, it came to mean making pain, worry, or pressure less.

Common phrases

feel relievedbe relieved to heara relieved smilerelieved that

Synonyms

comforted reassured assured

Related words

relief anxious worried calm

Frequently asked questions

Is relieved a feeling or an action word?: Relieved is a feeling word. It describes how someone feels after worry or stress becomes less.
What is the difference between relieved and happy?: Relieved means a problem or worry has ended. Happy means you feel pleasure or joy, which is broader.
Can I say 'I am relieved' in formal writing?: Yes. It is common in both formal and everyday English, especially in reports, emails, and spoken English.