ameliorate

Etymology

Influenced by French améliorer and Latin a- (“to”) + melior (“better”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /əˈmiːli.əɹeɪt/

• Audio (US)

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Verb

ameliorate (third-person singular simple present ameliorates, present participle ameliorating, simple past and past participle ameliorated)

1. (transitive) To make better, or improve, something perceived to be in a negative condition.

   They offered some compromises in an effort to ameliorate the situation.

   • Macaulay

     In every human being there is a wish to ameliorate his own condition.

2. (intransitive) To become better; improve.

See also

• alleviate
• mitigate