alleviation
AmericanEtymology
Origin of alleviation
First recorded in 1615–25; from Medieval Latin alleviātiōn-, stem of alleviātiō, from alleviāt(us) “lightened” ( see alleviate) + -iō -ion
Explanation
Alleviation is relief from something that's disagreeable. Even though you love cats, you need a break from them sometimes if you ever hope for any alleviation of your allergy symptoms! This noun is used to describe the act of lessening discomfort, easing pain, or relieving anything that's unpleasant. The purpose of some medication is alleviation of pain, and the goal of certain government programs is alleviation of hunger and poverty. Alleviation is from the Medieval Latin alleviare, which means "to lift up or raise," but was figuratively used to mean "to lighten a burden."
Vocabulary lists containing alleviation
Novel Study: Wuthering Heights, Volume 1
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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.
Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister Betta Edu was suspended on Monday following public outrage over the scandal.
From BBC • Jan. 8, 2024
The department said the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme, which involves the construction more than five miles of flood defences, will protect at least 1,500 homes.
From BBC • Mar. 19, 2023
Carrie Miller, director of the county’s Poverty Alleviation Initiative, said there are five requirements to be eligible for Breathe:
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2022
"There's nowhere in Orange County where it's legal to be homeless," said Mohammed Aly of the Orange County Poverty Alleviation Coalition.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2018
Alleviation of poverty remains the cornerstone of the government's development strategy.
From The 1991 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
