Literary notes about relaxed (AI summary)
The word "relaxed" is employed with remarkable versatility, conveying both physical and metaphorical easing across diverse literary genres. In strategic and political texts, it can denote a deliberate loosening of rigor or discipline—for instance, a military commander’s methods become relaxed, prompting the need for renewed severity [1], or social bonds gradually relax under changing circumstances [2]. In contrast, narrative fiction often uses the term to illustrate the gradual release of physical tension, as when a character’s smile relaxes tightly drawn features [3] or a grip slowly lets go [4]. Even poetic language harnesses "relaxed" to evoke gentle sensuality or subdued melancholy, suggesting a state wherein the restraints of formality or tension yield to ease [5][6]. This broad semantic reach highlights the word's power to capture moments where control gives way to a more natural, unburdened state.
- [Because in such case discipline becomes relaxed, and unwonted severity is necessary to keep the men to their duty.] 37.
— from The Art of War by active 6th century B.C. Sunzi - Long before open war is declared against it, the tie which had hitherto united the higher classes to the lower may be seen to be gradually relaxed.
— from Democracy in America — Volume 2 by Alexis de Tocqueville - I told him of the business of the evening, and a smile relaxed the contracted muscles.
— from The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - And his numbed fingers relaxed their hold.
— from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant - My lips, relaxed, can hardly speak, And chilling dread has changed my cheek I blame myself in aimless fears, And still no cause of blame appears.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - In a minute or two her breathing became more regular, her clasp of his hand relaxed, and she fell asleep.
— from Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman by Thomas Hardy
