Friday, August 04, 2006

Verbs: To Make Things Better

Besides cheer, uplift, brighten, encourage, and rekindle, here are a few verbs that convey improvement. Each is derived from the concept in the word or phrase that immediately follows it. Its meaning is then defined and exemplified.

verb - derivation; definitition (example)

allay – subdue; make less intense, relieve (allay fears)
alleviate – lighten; make more bearable (alleviate pain)
assuage, – sweeten; ease, make less intense (assuage loneliness)
extenuate – thin out; lessen seriousness with partial excuses (extenuate guilt)
lighten – lessen weight; remove some pressure (lighten a burden)
mitigate – soften; cause to become less harsh (mitigate punishment)
palliate – cloak; relieve a symptom but not the underlying disorder (to give palliative care)
relieve – raise; free from a burden

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