French Conversation · Level 58
75 words
French word
détendre
Pronunciation
IPA/detɑ̃dʁ/
Meaning
- verbrelax
Example
Cette musique me détend.
This music relaxes me.
More examples
Après le travail, je me détends en lisant un livre.
After work, I unwind by reading a book.
Core concept
Tension loosens its grip on the muscles or the mind, leaving the body and thoughts at ease.
Common phrases
se détendre
unwind
détendre les muscles
loosen the muscles
détendre l'atmosphère
ease the tension in the atmosphere
Similar words
apaiser: To ease anxiety or anger and bring about a calmer mood.
calmer: To quiet strong feelings or unrest and help restore calm.
relâcher: To reduce force or pressure, easing physical tension.
Definition in French
Rendre moins tendu, physiquement ou mentalement, par exemple en relâchant les muscles ou en apaisant l'esprit.
Word origin
Détendre comes from Latin detendere, formed from de- and tendere, 'to stretch', with the sense of removing tension.
Usage tips
- Détendre quelqu'un means to relax someone, while se détendre means to relax oneself, so the reflexive form changes who experiences the relaxation.