Can the word "sigh" be positive? [closed]

Solution 1:

Yes, definitely.

For one thing, you mention "relief" as being a negative connotation, but surely a sigh of relief is a good thing: if you're relieved about something, it's probably going well.

In the Cambridge English Dictionary, you can also find:

to ​breathe out ​slowly and ​noisily, ​expressing ​tiredness, ​sadness, ​pleasure, etc.

Finally, Google gives 18,000 results for the phrase "sigh with happiness" (including quotes).

Solution 2:

A sigh can be positive, but without verbal or gestural qualification to the contrary, a sigh ('a sudden, prolonged, deep and more or less audible respiration, following on a deep-drawn breath' - OED) usually indicates or expresses dejection, weariness, longing, pain, or relief.(OED)

I often sigh with contentment after finishing something delicious to eat or drink. I also sigh happily when, at last, I get to sit down having been on my feet for too long. In both cases I would usually qualify my sigh with a comment ("that was delicious" or "that feels better") - to reassure my companions that I was not unhappy or unwell!

Solution 3:

An often used expression is

a sigh of relief

Lots of references, usages on Google and Cambridge dictionary

Solution 4:

You know I completely agree with you that there can be a sigh of satisfaction which I think is equivalent to the sigh of relief.......So,in my opinion a sigh can be positive as well.