alleviate
Definitions
To make a problem, pain, or difficulty less severe
减轻，缓解（问题、痛苦、困难）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedal- (a form of ad-, 'to') + lev (lighten) + -iate (verb) = to bring lightness to a burden. Same gesture as relieve — lifting a load off — but used for large, systemic problems: alleviate poverty, suffering, symptoms.
Root lev still carries 12 more wordsWhy It Means This
Alleviate is the formal cousin of relieve. Both come from levāre (to lift), but alleviate keeps a higher register and pairs with abstract or large-scale burdens — you alleviate poverty and suffering, not a stubbed toe. It is the exact opposite of aggravate (to make heavier/worse).
Common Collocations
- 1.alleviate pain减轻痛苦
- 2.alleviate suffering缓解苦难
- 3.alleviate poverty缓解贫困
- 4.alleviate symptoms缓解症状
Example Sentences
- 1.
The new policy aims to alleviate poverty in rural areas.
- 2.
Painkillers only alleviate the symptoms, not the cause.
Easily Confused
alleviate vs aggravate — Perfect opposites and easy to mix up because they look alike: alleviate (lev = light) makes a burden lighter; aggravate (grav = heavy) makes it heavier. If the situation gets worse, it's aggravated; if it gets easier, it's alleviated.