Understanding the Synonym of Alleviate

The question asks for the synonym of the word "alleviate". A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.

Let's examine the meaning of "alleviate" and then look at the options provided.

Meaning of Alleviate

The word alleviate means to make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe. It implies making something bad or unpleasant less intense or easier to bear.

Analyzing the Options for Alleviate Synonym

We need to determine which of the given options means the same or nearly the same as alleviate.

• (A) worsen: This means to make or become worse. This is the opposite of alleviating something. So, "worsen" is an antonym, not a synonym.
• (B) grow: This means to increase in size, amount, or intensity. While a problem might grow, "grow" itself doesn't mean to make something less severe.
• (C) lessen: This means to diminish in size, amount, or intensity. If you lessen a problem, you make it less severe. This meaning is very close to alleviating.
• (D) Increase: This means to make or become greater in size, amount, or intensity. Like "worsen" and "grow" (in intensity context), this is the opposite of making something less severe. It's an antonym.
• (E) Reduce: This means to make something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size. If you reduce pain or a problem, you make it less severe or intense. This meaning is also very close to alleviating.

Based on the analysis, both "lessen" and "reduce" mean to make something less severe, which is the definition of "alleviate". Therefore, both "lessen" and "reduce" are synonyms of alleviate.

The question asks for options that are synonyms. Looking at the answer choices provided, we need to find the one that includes both (C) lessen and (E) Reduce.

The correct combination of synonyms for alleviate among the options is (C) lessen and (E) Reduce.

Revision Table: Words Related to Alleviate

Additional Information: Synonyms and Antonyms in Vocabulary

Understanding synonyms and antonyms is a key part of building strong vocabulary skills. They help us express ideas with more precision and variety.

• Synonyms: Words that have the same or nearly the same meaning. Examples: happy/joyful, big/large, quick/fast. Finding synonyms for a word like alleviate helps us find alternative ways to say "make less severe".
• Antonyms: Words that have opposite meanings. Examples: hot/cold, up/down, good/bad. Antonyms of alleviate would include words like worsen, aggravate, intensify, or heighten, as these mean to make something more severe.

When you learn a new word like alleviate, it's helpful to also learn its synonyms and antonyms to fully grasp its meaning and related concepts.