Definition

To make something less severe or serious, often by providing relief or excuses.

Example

The doctor tried to palliate the patient's pain with medication.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard that some medications can really palliate the pain of migraines.

Yeah, I've tried a few that help take the edge off.

It's interesting how they can palliate symptoms without completely curing them.

Exactly, but at least it makes the day more bearable.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Palliate → It is formed from "palliare" (meaning to cloak or cover) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating to make or to cause). The word "palliate" means to make a condition less severe or to cloak its seriousness, often used in the context of alleviating symptoms without curing the underlying issue.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cloaking' or 'covering' a problem to make it less severe — that's why palliate means to alleviate without curing.

Visually Confused Words