melioration
Americannoun
-
Historical Linguistics. semantic change in a word to a more approved or more respectable meaning.
noun
Etymology
Origin of melioration
1620–30; < Late Latin meliōrātiōn- (stem of meliōrātiō ), equivalent to meliōrāt ( us ) ( see meliorate) + -iōn- -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But professional reformation or melioration is usually an organic, incremental process.
From BusinessWeek ● Nov. 22, 2011
The friend of the people, it tends to free schools, a free press, a free government, the abolition of slavery, war, vice, and the melioration of society.
From Ten Great Religions An Essay in Comparative Theology by James Freeman Clarke
But a memorable melioration of the state of man will carry some degree of conviction to the hearts of all.
From Thoughts on Man, His Nature, Productions and Discoveries Interspersed with Some Particulars Respecting the Author by William Godwin
It is no less an evidence that their condition was in a state of melioration.
From Dissertation on Slavery With a Proposal for the Gradual Abolition of it, in the State of Virginia by St. George Tucker
All is quiet in Holland and Belgium; and all is awaiting the melioration which time and wisdom must bring.
From Graham's Magazine, Vol XXXIII, No. 6, December 1848 by Various
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