alleviate

[uh-lee-vee-eyt]

verb (used with object)

alleviated, alleviating 

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

Other Word Forms

• unalleviated adjective
• unalleviatedly adverb
• unalleviating adjective
• unalleviatingly adverb
• alleviator noun
• alleviative adjective
• alleviation noun

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

Example Sentences

Historical context further alleviates the sting of last month’s deficit: Since fiscal year 1955, the Treasury hasn’t recorded an October surplus.

Read more on Barron's

The improved bottom line comes as the Chinese EV maker’s sales momentum is picking up, alleviating investors’ concerns about its path to profitability following four consecutive quarters of widening losses.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“In addition to the reimbursement news—and its accompanying pricing power—several other past concerns have been alleviated, and might act as tailwinds,” Block wrote.

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But a centralized agency could help alleviate some of those funding issues.

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And researchers have been discovering a growing list of additional health benefits for the drugs, such as preventing heart attacks, alleviating sleep apnea and treating liver disease.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• allay 
• assuage 
• ease 
• mitigate