Alleviate
/əˈlɛviˌeɪt/noun
To make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe.
Did you know?The root of 'alleviate' is linked to the Latin 'levis', meaning 'light'—in ancient times, people believed in lightening burdens through spiritual practices and offerings.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
alleviāre
“To lighten or relieve, often in a physical or emotional context.”
Old French
Old French
alevier
“To raise or lift up, especially in terms of burdens or difficulties.”
Middle English
Middle English
alleviaten
“To make lighter or reduce severity, often in reference to pain or discomfort.”
Modern English
English
alleviate
“To lessen the intensity or severity of something, especially suffering or problems.”