緩める

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 緩める (ゆるめる) adds okurigana める to looseness 緩, forming a transitive verb.
• Basic usage: It describes loosening a belt and easing tension in a room with a joke.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Physical looseness and emotional relief
  • A belt gives the literal sense, while 緊張を緩める applies the reduction of tightness to a psychological atmosphere.