What is restless? Pronunciation and usage in English

restless means . Learn how to pronounce and use restless through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of restless

restlessadjective

/ˈrestləs//ˈrestləs/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "restless." It can be a tricky one for some! Here’s a breakdown:

1. Syllables: "Rest-less" – It's divided into two syllables.

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • Rest: Pronounced like "rehst" – The "e" is a short "e" sound, like in "bed." The "st" is a distinct ‘st’ sound (like in “start”).
  • Less: Pronounced like "less" – as in, “less than” or “less water.” The “e” is short, and the “ss” is a blended sound.

3. Putting it Together:

Say it smoothly: rehst-less

4. Emphasis:

The emphasis (stress) is on the first syllable: "rehst-less"

Tips for sounding natural:

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  • Say the word aloud?
  • Give you another example word to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word restless in English

Let's break down how to use the word "restless" in English. It's a powerful word that describes a specific feeling and can be used in a variety of contexts.

1. Core Meaning:

At its most basic, "restless" means unable to relax or be still; feeling uneasy and wanting to move around. It describes a state of mental and/or physical agitation.

2. How to Use It – Different Contexts & Examples:

  • Describing a Person's Feelings/State of Mind: This is the most common use.

    • "She felt restless and couldn't sleep." (Physical restlessness)
    • "He was restless during the meeting, constantly tapping his foot." (Physical restlessness)
    • "After a long day, I often feel restless." (Mental restlessness – a need for stimulation or change)
    • "The prisoner was restless, pacing his cell." (A combination of both - both physical and mental agitation)
    • “He’s a restless soul, always searching for something new.” (Describes a personality trait – someone who craves change and excitement)

  • Describing Physical Movement:

    • "The puppy was restless in its crate."
    • "The wind made the trees restless." (Figuratively – suggesting a turbulent, agitated movement)
    • "The waves were restless against the shore."

  • Figurative Use (Metaphorical): "Restless" can describe something that is active, changing, or not settled.

    • "The market is restless after the announcement." (Meaning the market is experiencing volatility and uncertainty)
    • "Her mind was restless with worry." (Figurative – she was anxious and unable to quiet her thoughts)

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Anxious
  • Uneasy
  • Agitated
  • Fidgety
  • Restless
  • Inquiet
  • Turbulent

4. Important Notes & Nuances:

  • Intensity: "Restless" can range in intensity. You can describe someone as mildly restless or profoundly restless.

  • Cause: It’s often helpful to hint at why someone is restless, if possible. Is it boredom, anxiety, excitement, a physical ailment?

  • Adjectives that modify "restless": You can combine "restless" with other adjectives to add more detail: restless anxiety, restless energy, restless spirit.

5. Example Sentences Combining Different Aspects:

  • "She was a restless child, always wanting to explore and discover new things."
  • "The stock market felt restless today, reacting sharply to the news.”
  • "He sat by the window, restless and staring out at the rain."

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write about? (e.g., a character, a situation, an observation)
  • What kind of "restless" are you trying to describe? (e.g., physical restlessness, mental restlessness, emotional restlessness?)

Synonyms for the word restless

Practice with vocabulary restless

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After two days of waiting for the board's decision, the CEO grew increasingly _______, pacing his office frequently.
  2. She felt extremely _______ about the final exam, despite having studied for weeks.
  3. The prolonged silence from headquarters made the regional managers _______. They needed direction to proceed with the new initiative.
  4. His _______ efforts to master the new software quickly paid off, making him a valuable asset to the team.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. After several hours of inactivity, the team became visibly _______. They were eager to move forward with the next phase of the project. a) composed b) restless c) content d) tranquil e) agitated

  2. The financial markets have been particularly _______ this quarter, with significant fluctuations reported daily. a) static b) volatile c) stable d) calm e) restless

  3. During the long, uninspiring presentation, many attendees grew _______, shifting in their seats and checking their phones. a) attentive b) engaged c) placid d) restless e) tranquil

  4. The new marketing director is known for her _______ approach, always seeking innovative strategies rather than waiting for instructions. a) passive b) reactive c) proactive d) indifferent e) complacent

  5. Project managers were _______ about the potential risks associated with the new software deployment, despite assurances from the vendor. a) enthusiastic b) confident c) apprehensive d) optimistic e) complacent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: As the deadline for the major proposal approached, the team members found it difficult to concentrate and frequently took short breaks. Rewrite using "restless":

  2. Original: The prolonged period of political instability caused a general feeling of unease and a strong desire for resolution across the nation. Rewrite using "restlessness" or a related word form:

  3. Original: To stay competitive in the fast-paced tech industry, our development team must be quick to respond to emerging trends and adapt their methodologies. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "restless"):

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. restless
  2. anxious
  3. restless
  4. diligent

Exercise 2:

  1. b) restless, e) agitated
  2. b) volatile, e) restless
  3. d) restless
  4. c) proactive
  5. c) apprehensive

Exercise 3:

  1. The team members grew increasingly restless as the deadline for the major proposal approached, finding it difficult to concentrate.
  2. The prolonged period of political instability resulted in widespread restlessness and a strong desire for resolution across the nation.
  3. To stay competitive in the fast-paced tech industry, our development team must be very agile in responding to emerging trends and adapting their methodologies.

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