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

In contrast, the new deal, as described by Bessent, specifies China’s commitment in metric tons, rather than dollars, a move that will alleviate pressure on the country if soybean prices stay low, Suderman said.

Read more on Barron's

In contrast, the new deal, as described by Bessent, specifies China’s commitment in metric tons, rather than dollars, a move that will alleviate pressure on the country if soybean prices stay low, Suderman said.

Read more on Barron's

Doing even a little bit of planning can also help alleviate some anxiety you might have about going against traditional investing advice.

Read more on MarketWatch

Beth latches onto Kitty in part to alleviate the isolation she feels, and Kitty’s very poor impulse control may force her to jail, or worse.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The drug significantly alleviated symptoms, reducing them by five to six points on the anxiety scale in addition to the effects of placebo.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• allay 
• assuage 
• ease 
• mitigate