avkopplad

Avkopplad is a Swedish adjective describing a state of being relaxed, at ease or free from tension. It is used for people, environments or situations that convey calmness or a lack of stress. The word derives from the verb avkoppla (to unwind, to relax), with the prefix av- indicating removal or separation, and the stem koppla relating to connecting or engaging; together they form a sense of disengaging from activity or worry.

In everyday language avkopplad can describe how someone appears after a period of rest or how a setting promotes calmness. The related noun is avkoppling (relaxation). The more common adjective for describing someone’s demeanor in everyday speech is avslappnad, but avkopplad is used when emphasizing an outcome of unwinding or a state that has been achieved.

Common usage examples include: hon såg avkopplad ut efter semestern (she looked relaxed after the vacation) and vi njöt av en avkopplande kväll hemma (we enjoyed a relaxing evening at home). The present participle avkopplande is often used to describe things that provide relaxation, such as en avkopplande miljö.

See also: avslappnad, avkoppling, koppla av.