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Definition of alleviate

alleviate

/əˈliː.vi.eɪt/
al · le · vi · ate
Adjective:alleviative
•
Past Simple:alleviated
•
Past Participle:alleviated
•
Present Participle:alleviating
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alleviate Lexical Profile

alleviate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make a problem, deficiency, or source of suffering less severe without necessarily removing it completely.

Example

"The new public transit initiative is designed to alleviate traffic congestion during peak commuting hours."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for alleviate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for alleviate

Word Nuance & Usage

The direct object of 'alleviate' must be the problem, pain, or burden itself (e.g., 'alleviate the symptoms'), rather than the person experiencing it.

• Rhymes for alleviate

• Nearby Words

allergic
allergist
allergy
alleviate
alleviation
alley
alleycat

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Late Latin alleviatus, the past participle of alleviare ('to lighten a burden'), formed from the prefix ad- ('to') and levis ('light in weight').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Alleviate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/alleviate
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