relieving

Pluralrelievings

1. 1
   verb

   Present participle and gerund of relieve. Use this form for an action happening now or as the name of the action.

   The cold drink is relieving his thirst on the hot day.

   Relieving stress helps you sleep better at night.

   Note
2. 2
   adjective

   Making pain, worry, or discomfort become less.

   Like putting down a heavy bag after a long walk.

   Taking off the tight shoes was a relieving feeling.

   Her calm voice had a relieving effect on the scared child.

   Similarsoothing, comforting, refreshing, reassuring

   Oppositedistressing, stressful

   Note
3. 3
   nounarchaic

   A change in color, texture, or look that breaks up sameness.

   Like adding a bright cushion to a plain gray couch.

   The architect added a relieving of pale stone along the dark wall.

   The light—divested of its aching brilliancy, lies sweetly upon the floor, checkered as that old man's life, in its quaint, yet charming relievings of shadow.

   1855, Arthur's Illustrated Home MagazineHere, relievings means changes of shade that break up the sameness of light.

   Note

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