alleviate

verb al·le·vi·ate \ ə-ˈlē-vē-ˌāt \

|Updated on: 10 Aug 2018

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Examples: alleviate in a Sentence

Editor's Note: Where Does The Word alleviate Come From?

Definition of alleviate

alleviated; alleviating

transitive verb

: relieve, lessen: such as

a : to make (something, such as suffering) more bearable

Her sympathy alleviated his distress.

b : to partially remove or correct (something undesirable)

measures taken to alleviate a labor shortage

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alleviation

play \-ˌlē-vē-ˈā-shən\ noun

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alleviator

play \-ˈlē-vē-ˌā-tər\ noun

See alleviate defined for English-language learners

See alleviate defined for kids

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Examples of alleviate in a Sentence

For decades, as you probably know, researchers have found that when you tell patients that you're giving them medicine, many report that their symptoms are alleviated, even if they're only taking sugar pills. —Daniel Zwerdling, Gourmet, August 2004
Granholm has spent the morning giving a major public address on state finance issues, courting local officials in meetings, and, in between, talking with me. We'd discussed the state of the Michigan economy and her ideas for developing a new high-tech corridor outside Detroit that focuses on homeland security innovation; we went over her ideas for alleviating overcrowding in the state's emergency rooms. —Jonathan Cohn, New Republic, 14 Oct. 2002
When applied in ointment form, capsaicin helps alleviate the discomfort of arthritis and psoriasis. Taken internally as a diluted tincture, it helps keep the blood flowing smoothly and strengthens the cardiovascular system. —Nina Simonds, Gourmet, September 2002
Ridley, a British journalist with a doctoral degree in zoology, does touch on the incredible potential of genetics for alleviating human misery. … But much of his remarkable book is focused on a higher plane of pure intellectual discovery. —Lee M. Silver, New York Times Book Review, 27 Feb. 2000
Before discussing what must be done to alleviate the environmental and social crises afflicting the globe, Chief Oren Lyons … of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation, wanted to drive to a gym in Syracuse, New York, and watch his son shadowbox. —Paul Schneider, Audubon, March/April 1994
finding ways to alleviate stress
a car pool alleviates some of the stress of driving the kids to and from school every day
Where was someone to alleviate this robbery of his life? —“The End of the World” P. 531, THE BOOK THIEF, Markus Zusak, Alfred A. Knopf, N.Y. © 2005
The relationship between king and parliament went nowhere. Bitter speeches were made on both sides, which James’s late attempts at mollification did little to alleviate. —“Four” P. 64, GOD’S SECRETARIES, Adam Nicolson, HarperCollins Publishers Inc., 220.5 N54g ©2003
“I’m feeding a lot of excitement myself.” In fact, I felt an instant euphoria at Kimmery’s alleviating presence. If this was the prospect of Zen I was ready to begin my training. —“One Mind” P. 194, MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN [fiction], Jonathan Lethem, Vintage Books 813.54 L34m (1999) 2001

Recent Examples of alleviate from the Web

Morgan said some of Dasher’s concerns might be alleviated by meeting with San Diego County staff who are involved in discussing the greenway with area property owners and devising a trail alignment.

— julie gallant, Ramona Sentinel, "Property owner shares concerns about greenway trails project," 15 June 2018
The body lotion, face oil, and lip balm debut this month, to moisturize, reduce inflammation, and alleviate skin issues.

— sunhee grinnell, Vanities, "A Cannabis Craze Takes Over Skin Care," 27 Apr. 2018
Temporary traffic patterns will be implemented in downtown Middletown to accommodate new meters in the area, designed to help alleviate the parking shortage seen since the closure of the Court Street garage last month.

— shawn r. beals, Courant Community, "Downtown Middletown Traffic Changes Coming With Parking Additions," 26 Apr. 2018
As an added benefit, turmeric may also help to alleviate acne, joint pain and other ailments associated with inflammation.

— dr. leslie baumann, miamiherald, "Five antioxidant-rich foods to pile on your plate for better skin | Miami Herald," 2 Apr. 2018
Learn more about how this mom's choice to go organic helped alleviate issues from her son's autism in the short video below.

— mariko zapf, Good Housekeeping, "I Had A Successful Vaginal Birth After A Cesarean (VBAC)—Here's What You Need To Know," 16 Nov. 2017
For seniors, gardening helps alleviate depression, loneliness, and symptoms of dementia, the report found.

— maria carter, Country Living, "Gardening Could Be the Answer to All of Your Problems, According to Science," 19 May 2016
Padded straps help too, and so does built-in ventilation: look for air channels between the padding and mesh on the straps and back panel (all help alleviate sweat buildup).

— kelly bastone, Outside Online, "The Best Women’s Backpacking Packs," 13 July 2018
An app would alleviate some of that spotlight-like pressure, and open the door to more users.

— angela watercutter, WIRED, "Could a Text-Based Dating App Change Selfie-Swiping Culture?," 10 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alleviate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Where Does The Word alleviate Come From?

Alleviate derives from the past participle of Late Latin alleviare ("to lighten or relieve"), which in turn was formed by combining the prefix ad- and the adjective "levis," a Latin word meaning "light" or "having little weight." ("Levis" comes from the same ancient word that gave rise to "light" in English.) We acquired "alleviate" in the 15th century, and for the first few centuries the word could mean either "to cause (something) to have less weight" or "to make (something) more tolerable." The literal "make lighter" sense is no longer used, however, so today we have only the "relieve" sense. Incidentally, not only is "alleviate" a synonym of "relieve," it's also a cousin; "relieve" comes from "levare" ("to raise"), which in turn comes from "levis."

Origin and Etymology of alleviate

Late Latin alleviatus, past participle of alleviare, from Latin ad- + levis light — more at light

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First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined above

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alleviate Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of alleviate

relieve, alleviate, lighten, assuage, mitigate, allay mean to make something less grievous. relieve implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable.