“ameliorate” vs “alleviate”












7














The meanings for ameliorate and alleviate are quite similar,
but I don’t think they are exact synonyms: what are the nuances behind choosing which one to use in a particular context?



I’d like some example sentences to show where one of them can’t be substituted by the other.










share|improve this question
























  • There are no -exact- synonyms. Except maybe in math. A pail is a bucket, but they have different connotations and collocations.
    – Mitch
    Nov 22 '13 at 16:43
















7














The meanings for ameliorate and alleviate are quite similar,
but I don’t think they are exact synonyms: what are the nuances behind choosing which one to use in a particular context?



I’d like some example sentences to show where one of them can’t be substituted by the other.










share|improve this question
























  • There are no -exact- synonyms. Except maybe in math. A pail is a bucket, but they have different connotations and collocations.
    – Mitch
    Nov 22 '13 at 16:43














7












7








7







The meanings for ameliorate and alleviate are quite similar,
but I don’t think they are exact synonyms: what are the nuances behind choosing which one to use in a particular context?



I’d like some example sentences to show where one of them can’t be substituted by the other.










share|improve this question















The meanings for ameliorate and alleviate are quite similar,
but I don’t think they are exact synonyms: what are the nuances behind choosing which one to use in a particular context?



I’d like some example sentences to show where one of them can’t be substituted by the other.







meaning differences






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Aug 13 '14 at 22:44









tchrist

108k28290464




108k28290464










asked Sep 12 '12 at 18:01









AlokAlok

1,08231018




1,08231018












  • There are no -exact- synonyms. Except maybe in math. A pail is a bucket, but they have different connotations and collocations.
    – Mitch
    Nov 22 '13 at 16:43


















  • There are no -exact- synonyms. Except maybe in math. A pail is a bucket, but they have different connotations and collocations.
    – Mitch
    Nov 22 '13 at 16:43
















There are no -exact- synonyms. Except maybe in math. A pail is a bucket, but they have different connotations and collocations.
– Mitch
Nov 22 '13 at 16:43




There are no -exact- synonyms. Except maybe in math. A pail is a bucket, but they have different connotations and collocations.
– Mitch
Nov 22 '13 at 16:43










7 Answers
7






active

oldest

votes


















6














The American Heritage Dictionary, 4th Edition, defines ameliorate as: to make better; improve. Under their entry for improve, there is this note about synonyms:




improve, better, help, ameliorate: These verbs mean to advance to a more desirable, valuable, or excellent state. Improve and better, the most general terms, are often interchangeable: You can improve (or better) your mind through study; I got a haircut to improve (or better) my appearance. Help usually implies limited relief or change: Gargling helps a sore throat. To ameliorate is to improve circumstances that demand change: Volunteers were able to ameliorate conditions in the refugee camp.




Alleviate is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as: to make (pain, for example) more bearable. Under their entry for relieve, there is this note about synonyms:




relieve, allay, alleviate, assuage, lighten, mitigate, palliate: These verbs mean to make something less severe or more bearable. To relieve is to make more endurable something causing discomfort or distress: "that misery which he strives in vain to relieve" ... Alleviate connotes temporary lessening of distress without removal of its cause: "No arguments shall be wanting on my part that can alleviate so severe a misfortune. (Jane Austen)...




In medical writing, ameliorate is used when describing a patient's condition. Alleviate is used when lessening pain. So you could say, for example, "The patient's condition was ameliorated when we administered pain medicine to alleviate her headache." That is, you improved the situation by relieving the pain.






share|improve this answer





























    1














    They aren't really that similar at all.



    Alleviate is a word to use to say that something will fix or nearly fix (or at least somewhat help fix) a problem.



    Ameliorate is a word to use to say that something won't really fix the problem, but will make the impact of it less bad. Sort of cushioning the blow.






    share|improve this answer





























      1














      You’re right that these are quite similar. Per the OED, alleviate is




      To lighten, or render more tolerable, or endurable; to relieve, mitigate




      While in (non-)contrast, ameliorate is




      To make better; to better, improve.




      There is also an intransitive sense for ameliorate, where it means “to grow better” rather than “to make better”.



      I may be wrong, but my instinct of contemporary usage is that one is more apt to employ alleviate when the problem is completely resolved, and ameliorate when it is improved but not necessarily removed altogether.



      Since the two words can in fact, or at least in theory, be used interchangeable, it is probably best not to assume anything, and to spell out just what you mean if there is any question.



      Here are some OED citations for ameliorate:





      • 1813 Sir H. Davy Agric. Chem. 203 ― A sterile soil··may be ameliorated by the application of quick lime.

      • 1849 Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 279 ― In every human being there is a wish to ameliorate his own condition.

      • 1882 Geikie in Macm. Mag. Mar. 365/2 ― [Man]··would find his way back as the climate ameliorated.




      And here are some for alleviate:





      • 1712 Steele Spect. No. 450 ⁋3, ― I··found means to alleviate, and at last conquer my Affliction.

      • 1871 Napheys Prevent. Dis. ɪɪɪ. ii. 619 ― To alleviate the sufferings of the invalid.

      • 1876 Mozley Univ. Serm. ᴠ. 120 ― Hope alleviates the sorrow of that home.




      If you are looking for a fine distinction, there is something “uplifting” about alleviate that does not quite occur in ameliorate, which is simply to improve.






      share|improve this answer



















      • 1




        The American Heritage Dictionary's note about synonyms says almost the opposite: "alleviate connotes temporary lessening of distress without removal of its cause."
        – JLG
        Sep 13 '12 at 12:52



















      1














      Alleviate is most commonly used to describe pain reduction, whereas ameliorate seems to be used for more abstract 'pain', for example 'ameliorate the effects of recession.'



      As @T.E.D. says - the first does something, whereas the second reduces the effects of something.






      share|improve this answer























      • Is your “Alleviate is ... whereas alleviate seems” contrast intended? Also “used do describe” is a typo.
        – James Waldby - jwpat7
        Sep 12 '12 at 21:21












      • Need to avoid answering questions from my smartphone - thanks.
        – Rory Alsop
        Sep 12 '12 at 22:28



















      1














      The term ameliorate derives from Latin, melior "better".



      Alleviate also derives from Latin, ad- "to" (see ad-) + levis "light" in weight (see lever).



      The root, lever means to raise.



      There is a great deal of overlap in these closely related words. However, they are not identical in meaining. Ameliorate, in making better often focuses on the good aspects. Alleviate tends to focus on the bad things that have to be made lighter or lifted.



      A search of Google for ameliorate examples provides




      A consistent routine of exercise has shown to ameliorate health.



      I wish there was a way to ameliorate this whole bathing process; anything would be better than this!



      Another approach would be to use short-term fixes to ameliorate the current situation while unwinding the euro.



      They get opportunities to recognize and ameliorate bad choices.



      Access to clean water would ameliorate living conditions within the
      village.




      In none of these sentences would alleviate be appropriate. Needless to say, there are many other examples from that search where the terms wholly overlap and aleviate could be substituted.



      It is my impression that, in the vast majority of cases, the obverse would not be true. Ameliorate can nearly always be substituted for alleviate.






      share|improve this answer





























        0














        While I struggle to come up with a situation where one would be considered incorrect in place of another, I certain that there are particular contexts in which one word is stronger than the other in terms of feel. Also etymologically speaking, ameliorate comes is associated with "making better" while alleviate is associated with "lifting" or "lightening", as in a load.



        Consider this:



        If one is sick, you my say that medicine is used to alleviate the sickness.
        Meanwhile, a sound-minded politician might be on a mission to ameliorate poverty in the U.S.



        Alleviate leans closer to the definition/feel of "relieve" which has a different, less progressive or forward moving feeling than the word ameliorate, which is progressive, more active.






        share|improve this answer








        New contributor




        user331021 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.


























          -1














          It's really very simple. As all the wonderful examples posted clearly show:



          Ameliorate: To improve or make better.

          Thus: This game could be improved by adding some more colour." becomes "This game could be ameliorated by adding some colour".



          Alleviate is temporary, i.e. it removes the symptom but not the cause.



          The game is not a symptom ergo alleviate would not fit.

          Perhaps, "My boredom with this game could be alleviated with some beer and friends."
          Boredom being a symptom of the game's lack of colour.






          share|improve this answer





















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            7 Answers
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            7 Answers
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            6














            The American Heritage Dictionary, 4th Edition, defines ameliorate as: to make better; improve. Under their entry for improve, there is this note about synonyms:




            improve, better, help, ameliorate: These verbs mean to advance to a more desirable, valuable, or excellent state. Improve and better, the most general terms, are often interchangeable: You can improve (or better) your mind through study; I got a haircut to improve (or better) my appearance. Help usually implies limited relief or change: Gargling helps a sore throat. To ameliorate is to improve circumstances that demand change: Volunteers were able to ameliorate conditions in the refugee camp.




            Alleviate is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as: to make (pain, for example) more bearable. Under their entry for relieve, there is this note about synonyms:




            relieve, allay, alleviate, assuage, lighten, mitigate, palliate: These verbs mean to make something less severe or more bearable. To relieve is to make more endurable something causing discomfort or distress: "that misery which he strives in vain to relieve" ... Alleviate connotes temporary lessening of distress without removal of its cause: "No arguments shall be wanting on my part that can alleviate so severe a misfortune. (Jane Austen)...




            In medical writing, ameliorate is used when describing a patient's condition. Alleviate is used when lessening pain. So you could say, for example, "The patient's condition was ameliorated when we administered pain medicine to alleviate her headache." That is, you improved the situation by relieving the pain.






            share|improve this answer


























              6














              The American Heritage Dictionary, 4th Edition, defines ameliorate as: to make better; improve. Under their entry for improve, there is this note about synonyms:




              improve, better, help, ameliorate: These verbs mean to advance to a more desirable, valuable, or excellent state. Improve and better, the most general terms, are often interchangeable: You can improve (or better) your mind through study; I got a haircut to improve (or better) my appearance. Help usually implies limited relief or change: Gargling helps a sore throat. To ameliorate is to improve circumstances that demand change: Volunteers were able to ameliorate conditions in the refugee camp.




              Alleviate is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as: to make (pain, for example) more bearable. Under their entry for relieve, there is this note about synonyms:




              relieve, allay, alleviate, assuage, lighten, mitigate, palliate: These verbs mean to make something less severe or more bearable. To relieve is to make more endurable something causing discomfort or distress: "that misery which he strives in vain to relieve" ... Alleviate connotes temporary lessening of distress without removal of its cause: "No arguments shall be wanting on my part that can alleviate so severe a misfortune. (Jane Austen)...




              In medical writing, ameliorate is used when describing a patient's condition. Alleviate is used when lessening pain. So you could say, for example, "The patient's condition was ameliorated when we administered pain medicine to alleviate her headache." That is, you improved the situation by relieving the pain.






              share|improve this answer
























                6












                6








                6






                The American Heritage Dictionary, 4th Edition, defines ameliorate as: to make better; improve. Under their entry for improve, there is this note about synonyms:




                improve, better, help, ameliorate: These verbs mean to advance to a more desirable, valuable, or excellent state. Improve and better, the most general terms, are often interchangeable: You can improve (or better) your mind through study; I got a haircut to improve (or better) my appearance. Help usually implies limited relief or change: Gargling helps a sore throat. To ameliorate is to improve circumstances that demand change: Volunteers were able to ameliorate conditions in the refugee camp.




                Alleviate is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as: to make (pain, for example) more bearable. Under their entry for relieve, there is this note about synonyms:




                relieve, allay, alleviate, assuage, lighten, mitigate, palliate: These verbs mean to make something less severe or more bearable. To relieve is to make more endurable something causing discomfort or distress: "that misery which he strives in vain to relieve" ... Alleviate connotes temporary lessening of distress without removal of its cause: "No arguments shall be wanting on my part that can alleviate so severe a misfortune. (Jane Austen)...




                In medical writing, ameliorate is used when describing a patient's condition. Alleviate is used when lessening pain. So you could say, for example, "The patient's condition was ameliorated when we administered pain medicine to alleviate her headache." That is, you improved the situation by relieving the pain.






                share|improve this answer












                The American Heritage Dictionary, 4th Edition, defines ameliorate as: to make better; improve. Under their entry for improve, there is this note about synonyms:




                improve, better, help, ameliorate: These verbs mean to advance to a more desirable, valuable, or excellent state. Improve and better, the most general terms, are often interchangeable: You can improve (or better) your mind through study; I got a haircut to improve (or better) my appearance. Help usually implies limited relief or change: Gargling helps a sore throat. To ameliorate is to improve circumstances that demand change: Volunteers were able to ameliorate conditions in the refugee camp.




                Alleviate is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as: to make (pain, for example) more bearable. Under their entry for relieve, there is this note about synonyms:




                relieve, allay, alleviate, assuage, lighten, mitigate, palliate: These verbs mean to make something less severe or more bearable. To relieve is to make more endurable something causing discomfort or distress: "that misery which he strives in vain to relieve" ... Alleviate connotes temporary lessening of distress without removal of its cause: "No arguments shall be wanting on my part that can alleviate so severe a misfortune. (Jane Austen)...




                In medical writing, ameliorate is used when describing a patient's condition. Alleviate is used when lessening pain. So you could say, for example, "The patient's condition was ameliorated when we administered pain medicine to alleviate her headache." That is, you improved the situation by relieving the pain.







                share|improve this answer












                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer










                answered Sep 12 '12 at 20:20









                JLGJLG

                21.7k13287




                21.7k13287

























                    1














                    They aren't really that similar at all.



                    Alleviate is a word to use to say that something will fix or nearly fix (or at least somewhat help fix) a problem.



                    Ameliorate is a word to use to say that something won't really fix the problem, but will make the impact of it less bad. Sort of cushioning the blow.






                    share|improve this answer


























                      1














                      They aren't really that similar at all.



                      Alleviate is a word to use to say that something will fix or nearly fix (or at least somewhat help fix) a problem.



                      Ameliorate is a word to use to say that something won't really fix the problem, but will make the impact of it less bad. Sort of cushioning the blow.






                      share|improve this answer
























                        1












                        1








                        1






                        They aren't really that similar at all.



                        Alleviate is a word to use to say that something will fix or nearly fix (or at least somewhat help fix) a problem.



                        Ameliorate is a word to use to say that something won't really fix the problem, but will make the impact of it less bad. Sort of cushioning the blow.






                        share|improve this answer












                        They aren't really that similar at all.



                        Alleviate is a word to use to say that something will fix or nearly fix (or at least somewhat help fix) a problem.



                        Ameliorate is a word to use to say that something won't really fix the problem, but will make the impact of it less bad. Sort of cushioning the blow.







                        share|improve this answer












                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer










                        answered Sep 12 '12 at 18:07









                        T.E.D.T.E.D.

                        16.9k13166




                        16.9k13166























                            1














                            You’re right that these are quite similar. Per the OED, alleviate is




                            To lighten, or render more tolerable, or endurable; to relieve, mitigate




                            While in (non-)contrast, ameliorate is




                            To make better; to better, improve.




                            There is also an intransitive sense for ameliorate, where it means “to grow better” rather than “to make better”.



                            I may be wrong, but my instinct of contemporary usage is that one is more apt to employ alleviate when the problem is completely resolved, and ameliorate when it is improved but not necessarily removed altogether.



                            Since the two words can in fact, or at least in theory, be used interchangeable, it is probably best not to assume anything, and to spell out just what you mean if there is any question.



                            Here are some OED citations for ameliorate:





                            • 1813 Sir H. Davy Agric. Chem. 203 ― A sterile soil··may be ameliorated by the application of quick lime.

                            • 1849 Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 279 ― In every human being there is a wish to ameliorate his own condition.

                            • 1882 Geikie in Macm. Mag. Mar. 365/2 ― [Man]··would find his way back as the climate ameliorated.




                            And here are some for alleviate:





                            • 1712 Steele Spect. No. 450 ⁋3, ― I··found means to alleviate, and at last conquer my Affliction.

                            • 1871 Napheys Prevent. Dis. ɪɪɪ. ii. 619 ― To alleviate the sufferings of the invalid.

                            • 1876 Mozley Univ. Serm. ᴠ. 120 ― Hope alleviates the sorrow of that home.




                            If you are looking for a fine distinction, there is something “uplifting” about alleviate that does not quite occur in ameliorate, which is simply to improve.






                            share|improve this answer



















                            • 1




                              The American Heritage Dictionary's note about synonyms says almost the opposite: "alleviate connotes temporary lessening of distress without removal of its cause."
                              – JLG
                              Sep 13 '12 at 12:52
















                            1














                            You’re right that these are quite similar. Per the OED, alleviate is




                            To lighten, or render more tolerable, or endurable; to relieve, mitigate




                            While in (non-)contrast, ameliorate is




                            To make better; to better, improve.




                            There is also an intransitive sense for ameliorate, where it means “to grow better” rather than “to make better”.



                            I may be wrong, but my instinct of contemporary usage is that one is more apt to employ alleviate when the problem is completely resolved, and ameliorate when it is improved but not necessarily removed altogether.



                            Since the two words can in fact, or at least in theory, be used interchangeable, it is probably best not to assume anything, and to spell out just what you mean if there is any question.



                            Here are some OED citations for ameliorate:





                            • 1813 Sir H. Davy Agric. Chem. 203 ― A sterile soil··may be ameliorated by the application of quick lime.

                            • 1849 Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 279 ― In every human being there is a wish to ameliorate his own condition.

                            • 1882 Geikie in Macm. Mag. Mar. 365/2 ― [Man]··would find his way back as the climate ameliorated.




                            And here are some for alleviate:





                            • 1712 Steele Spect. No. 450 ⁋3, ― I··found means to alleviate, and at last conquer my Affliction.

                            • 1871 Napheys Prevent. Dis. ɪɪɪ. ii. 619 ― To alleviate the sufferings of the invalid.

                            • 1876 Mozley Univ. Serm. ᴠ. 120 ― Hope alleviates the sorrow of that home.




                            If you are looking for a fine distinction, there is something “uplifting” about alleviate that does not quite occur in ameliorate, which is simply to improve.






                            share|improve this answer



















                            • 1




                              The American Heritage Dictionary's note about synonyms says almost the opposite: "alleviate connotes temporary lessening of distress without removal of its cause."
                              – JLG
                              Sep 13 '12 at 12:52














                            1












                            1








                            1






                            You’re right that these are quite similar. Per the OED, alleviate is




                            To lighten, or render more tolerable, or endurable; to relieve, mitigate




                            While in (non-)contrast, ameliorate is




                            To make better; to better, improve.




                            There is also an intransitive sense for ameliorate, where it means “to grow better” rather than “to make better”.



                            I may be wrong, but my instinct of contemporary usage is that one is more apt to employ alleviate when the problem is completely resolved, and ameliorate when it is improved but not necessarily removed altogether.



                            Since the two words can in fact, or at least in theory, be used interchangeable, it is probably best not to assume anything, and to spell out just what you mean if there is any question.



                            Here are some OED citations for ameliorate:





                            • 1813 Sir H. Davy Agric. Chem. 203 ― A sterile soil··may be ameliorated by the application of quick lime.

                            • 1849 Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 279 ― In every human being there is a wish to ameliorate his own condition.

                            • 1882 Geikie in Macm. Mag. Mar. 365/2 ― [Man]··would find his way back as the climate ameliorated.




                            And here are some for alleviate:





                            • 1712 Steele Spect. No. 450 ⁋3, ― I··found means to alleviate, and at last conquer my Affliction.

                            • 1871 Napheys Prevent. Dis. ɪɪɪ. ii. 619 ― To alleviate the sufferings of the invalid.

                            • 1876 Mozley Univ. Serm. ᴠ. 120 ― Hope alleviates the sorrow of that home.




                            If you are looking for a fine distinction, there is something “uplifting” about alleviate that does not quite occur in ameliorate, which is simply to improve.






                            share|improve this answer














                            You’re right that these are quite similar. Per the OED, alleviate is




                            To lighten, or render more tolerable, or endurable; to relieve, mitigate




                            While in (non-)contrast, ameliorate is




                            To make better; to better, improve.




                            There is also an intransitive sense for ameliorate, where it means “to grow better” rather than “to make better”.



                            I may be wrong, but my instinct of contemporary usage is that one is more apt to employ alleviate when the problem is completely resolved, and ameliorate when it is improved but not necessarily removed altogether.



                            Since the two words can in fact, or at least in theory, be used interchangeable, it is probably best not to assume anything, and to spell out just what you mean if there is any question.



                            Here are some OED citations for ameliorate:





                            • 1813 Sir H. Davy Agric. Chem. 203 ― A sterile soil··may be ameliorated by the application of quick lime.

                            • 1849 Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 279 ― In every human being there is a wish to ameliorate his own condition.

                            • 1882 Geikie in Macm. Mag. Mar. 365/2 ― [Man]··would find his way back as the climate ameliorated.




                            And here are some for alleviate:





                            • 1712 Steele Spect. No. 450 ⁋3, ― I··found means to alleviate, and at last conquer my Affliction.

                            • 1871 Napheys Prevent. Dis. ɪɪɪ. ii. 619 ― To alleviate the sufferings of the invalid.

                            • 1876 Mozley Univ. Serm. ᴠ. 120 ― Hope alleviates the sorrow of that home.




                            If you are looking for a fine distinction, there is something “uplifting” about alleviate that does not quite occur in ameliorate, which is simply to improve.







                            share|improve this answer














                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer








                            edited Sep 12 '12 at 18:46

























                            answered Sep 12 '12 at 18:38









                            tchristtchrist

                            108k28290464




                            108k28290464








                            • 1




                              The American Heritage Dictionary's note about synonyms says almost the opposite: "alleviate connotes temporary lessening of distress without removal of its cause."
                              – JLG
                              Sep 13 '12 at 12:52














                            • 1




                              The American Heritage Dictionary's note about synonyms says almost the opposite: "alleviate connotes temporary lessening of distress without removal of its cause."
                              – JLG
                              Sep 13 '12 at 12:52








                            1




                            1




                            The American Heritage Dictionary's note about synonyms says almost the opposite: "alleviate connotes temporary lessening of distress without removal of its cause."
                            – JLG
                            Sep 13 '12 at 12:52




                            The American Heritage Dictionary's note about synonyms says almost the opposite: "alleviate connotes temporary lessening of distress without removal of its cause."
                            – JLG
                            Sep 13 '12 at 12:52











                            1














                            Alleviate is most commonly used to describe pain reduction, whereas ameliorate seems to be used for more abstract 'pain', for example 'ameliorate the effects of recession.'



                            As @T.E.D. says - the first does something, whereas the second reduces the effects of something.






                            share|improve this answer























                            • Is your “Alleviate is ... whereas alleviate seems” contrast intended? Also “used do describe” is a typo.
                              – James Waldby - jwpat7
                              Sep 12 '12 at 21:21












                            • Need to avoid answering questions from my smartphone - thanks.
                              – Rory Alsop
                              Sep 12 '12 at 22:28
















                            1














                            Alleviate is most commonly used to describe pain reduction, whereas ameliorate seems to be used for more abstract 'pain', for example 'ameliorate the effects of recession.'



                            As @T.E.D. says - the first does something, whereas the second reduces the effects of something.






                            share|improve this answer























                            • Is your “Alleviate is ... whereas alleviate seems” contrast intended? Also “used do describe” is a typo.
                              – James Waldby - jwpat7
                              Sep 12 '12 at 21:21












                            • Need to avoid answering questions from my smartphone - thanks.
                              – Rory Alsop
                              Sep 12 '12 at 22:28














                            1












                            1








                            1






                            Alleviate is most commonly used to describe pain reduction, whereas ameliorate seems to be used for more abstract 'pain', for example 'ameliorate the effects of recession.'



                            As @T.E.D. says - the first does something, whereas the second reduces the effects of something.






                            share|improve this answer














                            Alleviate is most commonly used to describe pain reduction, whereas ameliorate seems to be used for more abstract 'pain', for example 'ameliorate the effects of recession.'



                            As @T.E.D. says - the first does something, whereas the second reduces the effects of something.







                            share|improve this answer














                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer








                            edited Sep 12 '12 at 22:27

























                            answered Sep 12 '12 at 18:13









                            Rory AlsopRory Alsop

                            6,29622235




                            6,29622235












                            • Is your “Alleviate is ... whereas alleviate seems” contrast intended? Also “used do describe” is a typo.
                              – James Waldby - jwpat7
                              Sep 12 '12 at 21:21












                            • Need to avoid answering questions from my smartphone - thanks.
                              – Rory Alsop
                              Sep 12 '12 at 22:28


















                            • Is your “Alleviate is ... whereas alleviate seems” contrast intended? Also “used do describe” is a typo.
                              – James Waldby - jwpat7
                              Sep 12 '12 at 21:21












                            • Need to avoid answering questions from my smartphone - thanks.
                              – Rory Alsop
                              Sep 12 '12 at 22:28
















                            Is your “Alleviate is ... whereas alleviate seems” contrast intended? Also “used do describe” is a typo.
                            – James Waldby - jwpat7
                            Sep 12 '12 at 21:21






                            Is your “Alleviate is ... whereas alleviate seems” contrast intended? Also “used do describe” is a typo.
                            – James Waldby - jwpat7
                            Sep 12 '12 at 21:21














                            Need to avoid answering questions from my smartphone - thanks.
                            – Rory Alsop
                            Sep 12 '12 at 22:28




                            Need to avoid answering questions from my smartphone - thanks.
                            – Rory Alsop
                            Sep 12 '12 at 22:28











                            1














                            The term ameliorate derives from Latin, melior "better".



                            Alleviate also derives from Latin, ad- "to" (see ad-) + levis "light" in weight (see lever).



                            The root, lever means to raise.



                            There is a great deal of overlap in these closely related words. However, they are not identical in meaining. Ameliorate, in making better often focuses on the good aspects. Alleviate tends to focus on the bad things that have to be made lighter or lifted.



                            A search of Google for ameliorate examples provides




                            A consistent routine of exercise has shown to ameliorate health.



                            I wish there was a way to ameliorate this whole bathing process; anything would be better than this!



                            Another approach would be to use short-term fixes to ameliorate the current situation while unwinding the euro.



                            They get opportunities to recognize and ameliorate bad choices.



                            Access to clean water would ameliorate living conditions within the
                            village.




                            In none of these sentences would alleviate be appropriate. Needless to say, there are many other examples from that search where the terms wholly overlap and aleviate could be substituted.



                            It is my impression that, in the vast majority of cases, the obverse would not be true. Ameliorate can nearly always be substituted for alleviate.






                            share|improve this answer


























                              1














                              The term ameliorate derives from Latin, melior "better".



                              Alleviate also derives from Latin, ad- "to" (see ad-) + levis "light" in weight (see lever).



                              The root, lever means to raise.



                              There is a great deal of overlap in these closely related words. However, they are not identical in meaining. Ameliorate, in making better often focuses on the good aspects. Alleviate tends to focus on the bad things that have to be made lighter or lifted.



                              A search of Google for ameliorate examples provides




                              A consistent routine of exercise has shown to ameliorate health.



                              I wish there was a way to ameliorate this whole bathing process; anything would be better than this!



                              Another approach would be to use short-term fixes to ameliorate the current situation while unwinding the euro.



                              They get opportunities to recognize and ameliorate bad choices.



                              Access to clean water would ameliorate living conditions within the
                              village.




                              In none of these sentences would alleviate be appropriate. Needless to say, there are many other examples from that search where the terms wholly overlap and aleviate could be substituted.



                              It is my impression that, in the vast majority of cases, the obverse would not be true. Ameliorate can nearly always be substituted for alleviate.






                              share|improve this answer
























                                1












                                1








                                1






                                The term ameliorate derives from Latin, melior "better".



                                Alleviate also derives from Latin, ad- "to" (see ad-) + levis "light" in weight (see lever).



                                The root, lever means to raise.



                                There is a great deal of overlap in these closely related words. However, they are not identical in meaining. Ameliorate, in making better often focuses on the good aspects. Alleviate tends to focus on the bad things that have to be made lighter or lifted.



                                A search of Google for ameliorate examples provides




                                A consistent routine of exercise has shown to ameliorate health.



                                I wish there was a way to ameliorate this whole bathing process; anything would be better than this!



                                Another approach would be to use short-term fixes to ameliorate the current situation while unwinding the euro.



                                They get opportunities to recognize and ameliorate bad choices.



                                Access to clean water would ameliorate living conditions within the
                                village.




                                In none of these sentences would alleviate be appropriate. Needless to say, there are many other examples from that search where the terms wholly overlap and aleviate could be substituted.



                                It is my impression that, in the vast majority of cases, the obverse would not be true. Ameliorate can nearly always be substituted for alleviate.






                                share|improve this answer












                                The term ameliorate derives from Latin, melior "better".



                                Alleviate also derives from Latin, ad- "to" (see ad-) + levis "light" in weight (see lever).



                                The root, lever means to raise.



                                There is a great deal of overlap in these closely related words. However, they are not identical in meaining. Ameliorate, in making better often focuses on the good aspects. Alleviate tends to focus on the bad things that have to be made lighter or lifted.



                                A search of Google for ameliorate examples provides




                                A consistent routine of exercise has shown to ameliorate health.



                                I wish there was a way to ameliorate this whole bathing process; anything would be better than this!



                                Another approach would be to use short-term fixes to ameliorate the current situation while unwinding the euro.



                                They get opportunities to recognize and ameliorate bad choices.



                                Access to clean water would ameliorate living conditions within the
                                village.




                                In none of these sentences would alleviate be appropriate. Needless to say, there are many other examples from that search where the terms wholly overlap and aleviate could be substituted.



                                It is my impression that, in the vast majority of cases, the obverse would not be true. Ameliorate can nearly always be substituted for alleviate.







                                share|improve this answer












                                share|improve this answer



                                share|improve this answer










                                answered Sep 13 '12 at 0:40









                                bibbib

                                68.5k8100213




                                68.5k8100213























                                    0














                                    While I struggle to come up with a situation where one would be considered incorrect in place of another, I certain that there are particular contexts in which one word is stronger than the other in terms of feel. Also etymologically speaking, ameliorate comes is associated with "making better" while alleviate is associated with "lifting" or "lightening", as in a load.



                                    Consider this:



                                    If one is sick, you my say that medicine is used to alleviate the sickness.
                                    Meanwhile, a sound-minded politician might be on a mission to ameliorate poverty in the U.S.



                                    Alleviate leans closer to the definition/feel of "relieve" which has a different, less progressive or forward moving feeling than the word ameliorate, which is progressive, more active.






                                    share|improve this answer








                                    New contributor




                                    user331021 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                      0














                                      While I struggle to come up with a situation where one would be considered incorrect in place of another, I certain that there are particular contexts in which one word is stronger than the other in terms of feel. Also etymologically speaking, ameliorate comes is associated with "making better" while alleviate is associated with "lifting" or "lightening", as in a load.



                                      Consider this:



                                      If one is sick, you my say that medicine is used to alleviate the sickness.
                                      Meanwhile, a sound-minded politician might be on a mission to ameliorate poverty in the U.S.



                                      Alleviate leans closer to the definition/feel of "relieve" which has a different, less progressive or forward moving feeling than the word ameliorate, which is progressive, more active.






                                      share|improve this answer








                                      New contributor




                                      user331021 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.





















                                        0












                                        0








                                        0






                                        While I struggle to come up with a situation where one would be considered incorrect in place of another, I certain that there are particular contexts in which one word is stronger than the other in terms of feel. Also etymologically speaking, ameliorate comes is associated with "making better" while alleviate is associated with "lifting" or "lightening", as in a load.



                                        Consider this:



                                        If one is sick, you my say that medicine is used to alleviate the sickness.
                                        Meanwhile, a sound-minded politician might be on a mission to ameliorate poverty in the U.S.



                                        Alleviate leans closer to the definition/feel of "relieve" which has a different, less progressive or forward moving feeling than the word ameliorate, which is progressive, more active.






                                        share|improve this answer








                                        New contributor




                                        user331021 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                        While I struggle to come up with a situation where one would be considered incorrect in place of another, I certain that there are particular contexts in which one word is stronger than the other in terms of feel. Also etymologically speaking, ameliorate comes is associated with "making better" while alleviate is associated with "lifting" or "lightening", as in a load.



                                        Consider this:



                                        If one is sick, you my say that medicine is used to alleviate the sickness.
                                        Meanwhile, a sound-minded politician might be on a mission to ameliorate poverty in the U.S.



                                        Alleviate leans closer to the definition/feel of "relieve" which has a different, less progressive or forward moving feeling than the word ameliorate, which is progressive, more active.







                                        share|improve this answer








                                        New contributor




                                        user331021 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                        share|improve this answer



                                        share|improve this answer






                                        New contributor




                                        user331021 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                        answered 42 mins ago









                                        user331021user331021

                                        1




                                        1




                                        New contributor




                                        user331021 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.





                                        New contributor





                                        user331021 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                        user331021 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                        Check out our Code of Conduct.























                                            -1














                                            It's really very simple. As all the wonderful examples posted clearly show:



                                            Ameliorate: To improve or make better.

                                            Thus: This game could be improved by adding some more colour." becomes "This game could be ameliorated by adding some colour".



                                            Alleviate is temporary, i.e. it removes the symptom but not the cause.



                                            The game is not a symptom ergo alleviate would not fit.

                                            Perhaps, "My boredom with this game could be alleviated with some beer and friends."
                                            Boredom being a symptom of the game's lack of colour.






                                            share|improve this answer


























                                              -1














                                              It's really very simple. As all the wonderful examples posted clearly show:



                                              Ameliorate: To improve or make better.

                                              Thus: This game could be improved by adding some more colour." becomes "This game could be ameliorated by adding some colour".



                                              Alleviate is temporary, i.e. it removes the symptom but not the cause.



                                              The game is not a symptom ergo alleviate would not fit.

                                              Perhaps, "My boredom with this game could be alleviated with some beer and friends."
                                              Boredom being a symptom of the game's lack of colour.






                                              share|improve this answer
























                                                -1












                                                -1








                                                -1






                                                It's really very simple. As all the wonderful examples posted clearly show:



                                                Ameliorate: To improve or make better.

                                                Thus: This game could be improved by adding some more colour." becomes "This game could be ameliorated by adding some colour".



                                                Alleviate is temporary, i.e. it removes the symptom but not the cause.



                                                The game is not a symptom ergo alleviate would not fit.

                                                Perhaps, "My boredom with this game could be alleviated with some beer and friends."
                                                Boredom being a symptom of the game's lack of colour.






                                                share|improve this answer












                                                It's really very simple. As all the wonderful examples posted clearly show:



                                                Ameliorate: To improve or make better.

                                                Thus: This game could be improved by adding some more colour." becomes "This game could be ameliorated by adding some colour".



                                                Alleviate is temporary, i.e. it removes the symptom but not the cause.



                                                The game is not a symptom ergo alleviate would not fit.

                                                Perhaps, "My boredom with this game could be alleviated with some beer and friends."
                                                Boredom being a symptom of the game's lack of colour.







                                                share|improve this answer












                                                share|improve this answer



                                                share|improve this answer










                                                answered Nov 22 '13 at 15:51









                                                BlakeBlake

                                                1




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