1 B2 idiomatic informal
To relax and become less stressed, intense, or aggressive in a given moment.
"You need to mellow out — it's just a game, not the end of the world."
inseparable
mellow out
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To relax and become less tense, intense, or aggressive; to become more easy-going over time.
In plain English
Become calmer, more relaxed, and less intense — either right now or over a long time.
What does "mellow out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To gradually become calmer and more easy-going as a person over a period of time.
"He used to be quite difficult to work with, but he's really mellowed out since he had kids."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Mellow means soft and ripe — to 'mellow out' suggests becoming fully soft and relaxed, like ripe fruit.
Actually means
Become calmer, more relaxed, and less intense — either right now or over a long time.
Usage tip
Has associations with 1970s counterculture and the effect of cannabis in American English, but is now used more broadly for any kind of relaxation. Can refer to a person's long-term personality change (he mellowed out as he aged) or a short-term mood shift. Also used of music, flavors, and environments becoming softer.
Words that pair with "mellow out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
music age retirement atmosphere person vibe
How to conjugate "mellow out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
mellow out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
mellows out
he/she/it
Past simple
mellowed out
yesterday
Past participle
mellowed out
have + pp
-ing form
mellowing out
continuous
Hear "mellow out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "mellow out"
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