alleviate

American  

[uh-lee-vee-eyt] / əˈli viˌeɪt /

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 British  

/ əˈliːvɪˌeɪt /

verb

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

---

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of alleviate

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

Explanation

Do all these words make your head ache? If so, take an aspirin to alleviate, or relieve, your pain. The verb, alleviate, stems from the Latin root, levis "light" and is related to modern English words such as elevator and levitate — both words implying a lightening of one's load. Alleviate also has this sense of lightening a burden such as physical pain or emotional duress. You can take medicine to alleviate symptoms or do exercise to alleviate stress. Or if you want a bigger challenge: try alleviating traffic congestion or world hunger.

Example Sentences

The new Section 2 made clear that Congress wanted to increase minority representation and alleviate the burden on voters to win these cases by eliminating an intent requirement.

From Slate • Apr. 29, 2026

Like many of the recent launches, the model is an EV with a small engine on board to boost the battery—and alleviate range anxiety—when needed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Investors are worried about the impacts artificial intelligence can have on software companies, and Wednesday’s earnings report doesn’t seem to have done much to alleviate those concerns.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

A simple adjustment of the blocking would alleviate the fakery.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

I had become indifferent to my old connections, an attitude I had adopted in part to justify my flight and somehow alleviate the pain of my separation from a world I loved and valued.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• allay
• assuage
• ease
• mitigate