Alleviate
mediumPositive toneuh-LEE-vee-ayt
verb
Definition
To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe
Memory hook
A-LEVI-ate: LEVI-tate the burden away -- make the pain lighter.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The medication helped alleviate her pain.”
“New policies were introduced to alleviate poverty.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The medication helped ______ her pain.”
Show answer
alleviate
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Alleviate is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "relieve" or "ease" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "aggravate".
Related GRE Words
palliate
to make less severe without removing the cause; to ease or mitigate
mitigate
To make less severe, serious, or painful
ameliorate
To make something bad or unsatisfactory better
qualify
To make less absolute; to modify or limit
assuage
To make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to satisfy an appetite or desire
facilitate
to make easier; to assist the progress of
Master alleviate and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.