Definition
To make something less severe, intense, or painful; to ease or reduce the intensity of something.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb
Synonyms
Relieve, mitigate, ease, soothe, lessen, lighten, assuage, mollify, palliate, diminish.
Antonyms
Aggravate, intensify, exacerbate, heighten, increase, magnify, augment, worsen.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | alleviator, alleviators, alleviations, alleviants, alleviation, alleviant |
| Verb | alleviating, alleviate, alleviated, alleviates |
| Adjective | alleviative, alleviatory |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The doctor prescribed medication to alleviate the patient’s chronic pain and improve their quality of life.
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The charity organization distributed food and supplies to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the natural disaster.
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The government implemented economic policies to alleviate poverty and provide opportunities for social mobility.
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Regular exercise and meditation can help alleviate stress and promote mental well-being.
Usage
“Alleviate” is a verb that is commonly used to describe the act of reducing or easing the severity or intensity of something, such as pain, stress, or a problem. The word is derived from the Latin word “levare,” which means to lift or lighten.
The prefix “al-” is a variation of the prefix “ad-” meaning to or toward, and the word “levare,” meaning to lift or lighten. Together, they create the sense of lifting or lightening something to make it less heavy or severe. The suffix “-ate” is added to turn the verb “alleviate” into its present tense form.
“Alleviate” is often used in a medical context, where it refers to reducing the severity of symptoms or discomfort associated with an illness or injury. However, the word can also be used more broadly to refer to easing any kind of burden or problem. For example, someone might try to alleviate stress by practicing meditation or exercise, or a company might implement policies to alleviate concerns among its employees about job security.
The word “alleviate” is often used in conjunction with other words to indicate the specific type of burden or problem being eased. For example, someone might try to alleviate financial hardship or alleviate hunger. In some cases, the word can also be used to describe an improvement in a situation or condition, such as when a new policy is implemented to alleviate traffic congestion in a city.
Overall, “alleviate” is a versatile and useful verb that can be used in a wide variety of contexts to describe the act of easing or reducing the severity of something. Its many synonyms and antonyms make it a great word to add to your vocabulary, whether you’re a writer, a student, or just looking to expand your language skills.