Allay: meaning, definitions and examples
๐๏ธ
allay
[ ษหleษช ]
emotional relief
To allay means to diminish or put to rest (fear, suspicion, or worry). It is often used in contexts where someone is trying to calm another person's anxieties or alleviate concerns. For example, a leader might allay fears about an impending crisis by providing clear information. The word suggests a gentle approach to addressing emotional or psychological distress.
Synonyms
alleviate, calm, diminish, pacify, reduce
Examples of usage
- The doctor spoke to her to allay her fears regarding the surgery.
- He tried to allay the concerns of the shareholders during the meeting.
- She used evidence to allay doubts about the project's success.
Translations
Translations of the word "allay" in other languages:
๐ต๐น aliviar
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฎ เคเคฐเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช beruhigen
๐ฎ๐ฉ meredakan
๐บ๐ฆ ะทะผะตะฝัะธัะธ
๐ต๐ฑ uspokoiฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ๅใใใ
๐ซ๐ท apaiser
๐ช๐ธ aliviar
๐น๐ท yatฤฑลtฤฑrmak
๐ฐ๐ท ์ง์ ์ํค๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ููุฏุฆ
๐จ๐ฟ uklidnit
๐ธ๐ฐ ukludniลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ๅ่ฝป
๐ธ๐ฎ pomiriti
๐ฎ๐ธ lรฆkna
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะถาฑะฑะฐัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฌแงแแแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ sakinlษลdirmษk
๐ฒ๐ฝ aliviar
Etymology
The word 'allay' originates from the Old English 'aleggen', which means 'to lay down'. This term evolved in the context of laying down fears, worries, or other emotional burdens. Throughout the centuries, it has been associated with the idea of preventing distress or discomfort. In Middle English, the term started appearing in forms like 'aleye', which directly relates to the modern usage of allaying fears and anxieties. The prefix 'a-' in allay, common in many English words, serves to indicate a direction toward or a reduction of something. The progression of its meaning aligns with how society has placed increasing importance on emotional well-being and the need for interpersonal communication to soothe fears and concerns.