What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
relieved
Example
I was relieved to hear that my test results came back negative. [relieved: adjective]
Example
After finding my lost wallet, I felt relieved and grateful. [felt relieved: verb]
happy
Example
I'm so happy to see you again after all these years. [happy: adjective]
Example
Winning the game made me really happy. [made me happy: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Happy is a more common word than relieved in everyday language. Happy is used frequently in conversation, writing, and media, while relieved is less common and often used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between relieved and happy?
Both relieved and happy can be used in formal and informal contexts, but relieved may be more appropriate in professional or serious situations where the focus is on problem-solving or decision-making.