alleviate

[ uh-lee-vee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, al·le·vi·at·ed, al·le·vi·at·ing.

1. to make easier to endure; lessen; mitigate:

   to alleviate sorrow; to alleviate pain.

   Synonyms: assuage, relieve, abate, diminish, lighten

   Antonyms: intensify, aggravate, strengthen, increase

alleviate

/ əˈliːvɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. tr to make (pain, sorrow, etc) easier to bear; lessen; relieve

Usage

See ameliorate

Derived Forms

• alˈleviˌator, noun
• alˈleviative, adjective
• alˌleviˈation, noun

Other Words From

• unal·levi·ated adjective
• unal·levi·ated·ly adverb
• unal·levi·ating adjective
• unal·levi·ating·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of alleviate¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English alleviaten, from Late Latin alleviātus “lightened,” past participle of alleviāre “to lighten, relieve,” from al- al- + levi(s) “light in weight” + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of alleviate¹

C15: from Late Latin alleviāre to mitigate, from Latin levis light

Related Words

• allay
• assuage
• ease
• mitigate