ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "RELIEF" in American Sign Language (ASL), place both hands flat on your chest with palms down, then move them outward and downward while releasing tension, representing the feeling of burden being lifted away.
📖 Word definition
A feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress; the removal or lessening of something oppressive, painful, or distressing.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide
- Hand Shape: Both hands in flat "B" handshape (fingers together, thumbs at side).
- Starting Position: Both hands placed flat on upper chest, palms facing down.
- Movement: Move both hands outward and slightly downward away from body.
- Path: Smooth outward motion showing release and letting go.
- Hand Orientation: Palms remain facing down throughout the movement.
- Facial Expression: Show visible relaxation, exhale, eyes may close briefly showing relief.
⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid
❌ Upward movement: Move hands outward and down, not up.
❌ Tense hands: Keep hands relaxed showing release of tension.
❌ Wrong placement: Start on chest, not shoulders or stomach.
❌ No facial expression: Show visible relief and relaxation in face.
💬 Common Sentence Examples
"I felt relief after the test."
How to sign: Point to self "I" → sign "feel" (middle finger touches chest) → sign "relief" (hands release from chest) → sign "after" → sign "test" (index fingers draw question marks).
"The medicine gave me relief."
How to sign: Sign "medicine" (middle finger circles on palm) → sign "give" (hands move toward you) → point to self "me" → sign "relief" (releasing motion from chest).
"What a relief that's over!"
How to sign: Sign "what" (index finger wiggle) → sign "relief" (strong releasing motion) → sign "that" (point) → sign "finish/over" (hands flip over showing completion).