lax

¹lax

adj \ˈlaks\

Definition of LAX

1

a of the bowels : loose, open b : having loose bowels

2

: deficient in firmness : not stringent <lax control> <a lax foreman>

3

a : not tense, firm, or rigid : slack <a lax rope> b : having an open or loose texture c : having the constituents spread apart <a lax flower cluster>

4

: articulated with the muscles involved in a relatively relaxed state (as the vowel \i\ in contrast with the vowel \ē\)

— lax·a·tion \lak-ˈsā-shən\ noun

— lax·ly \ˈlaks-lē\ adverb

— lax·ness noun

Examples of LAX

1. The university has been lax about enforcing these rules.
2. <lax parents who let their kids stay out as late as they want>

Origin of LAX

Middle English, from Latin laxus loose — more at slack

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to LAX

Synonyms: careless, derelict, disregardful, negligent, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, remiss, slack

Antonyms: attentive, careful, conscientious, nonnegligent

Related Words: heedless, incautious, irresponsible, reckless, wild; unguarded, unwary; forgetful; disregardful, disregarding, inattentive, oblivious, thoughtless, unheeding, unmindful, unthinking; apathetic, disinterested, indifferent, unconcerned, uninterested; delinquent; loose

Near Antonyms: meticulous, painstaking, punctilious; cautious, chary, circumspect, gingerly, guarded; alert, heedful, heeding, mindful, observant, regardful, regarding, vigilant, wary, watchful; foresighted, forethoughtful, provident, responsible; thinking, thoughtful; concerned, interested

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at negligent

Rhymes with LAX

ax, fax, flax, max, pax, rax, sax, Sfax, tax, wax