Relieved or relieved – which one is correct? It’s a question that may have crossed your mind at some point, especially if you’re studying English or preparing for a language proficiency test like IELTS. So, let’s put an end to the suspense and dive straight into the answer.
The correct spelling is “relieved.” Yes, there is only one “e” in the middle, not two. But why is that? Well, English can be a tricky language, and spellings don’t always follow a logical pattern. In this case, the spelling of “relieved” is derived from the root word “relieve,” which means to ease, alleviate, or reduce something, such as stress or pain.
When we add the suffix “-ed” to the root word “relieve,” we form the past participle “relieved,” which is used to describe the state of someone feeling relief or a sense of comfort after a difficult or stressful situation. For example, “She was relieved to pass her IELTS exam with flying colors.” In this sentence, “relieved” shows the emotional state of the person who experienced a reduction in stress or anxiety after receiving good news.
To further clarify, let’s discuss a few more examples. Imagine you are waiting for an important phone call regarding a job offer. The anxiety builds up, and you feel on the edge. Finally, the call comes, and you receive the news that you got the job. How would you express your emotions at that moment?
You might say, “I feel so relieved!” Here, “relieved” signifies the release of tension and the immediate sense of comfort or happiness that arises when a stressful situation is resolved in a favorable manner.
Similarly, think about a student who has been studying hard for an exam. The day arrives, and after hours of intense concentration, they finally finish writing their last answer. How would they describe their state of mind after the exam?
They might exclaim, “I’m relieved it’s over!” In this context, “relieved” communicates the feeling of relief and the weight being lifted off their shoulders, knowing that the challenging task is behind them.
Now that we have established that “relieved” is the correct spelling, let’s briefly address the common mistake of using “releived” instead. Some people might be drawn to this incorrect spelling due to the phonetic pronunciation of the root word “relieve,” which has two “e” sounds. However, it’s vital to remember that English spellings don’t always align with the way words are pronounced.
In conclusion, the correct spelling of the word is “relieved.” This word signifies the emotional state of someone experiencing a sense of relief, comfort, or happiness after a challenging or stressful situation. So, whether you’re preparing for an exam, eagerly awaiting important news, or simply relieved that you finally have the answer to this elusive question, remember to use the correct spelling “relieved” to accurately convey your feelings.