Assuage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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assuage
[ษหsweษชdส ]
Definition
to relieve or alleviate
To make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense. To satisfy (an appetite or desire). To soothe or calm.
Synonyms
alleviate, ease, mitigate, pacify, relieve.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| assuage |
Used to describe the process of making an unpleasant feeling less intense. Often associated with emotional or psychological relief.
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| relieve |
Commonly used to refer to reducing or removing pain, discomfort, or stress. Applicable to both physical and emotional states.
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| alleviate |
Used when talking about reducing pain or suffering, especially physical pain or discomfort. Also used for lessening difficult situations.
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| ease |
Used in both physical and emotional contexts to imply making something less severe or serious. Commonly used in everyday conversation.
|
| mitigate |
Often used in formal or technical contexts to describe reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something, especially in legal, environmental, or policy language.
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| pacify |
Used to describe the action of calming someone down or restoring peace in a situation. Usually applied to emotional states or conflicts.
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Examples of usage
- He couldn't assuage his guilt.
- She tried to assuage her hunger with a small snack.
- The music helped to assuage his anxiety.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- The term frequently appears in classic literature, often used to describe soothing emotions or calming narratives.
- Famous authors like Shakespeare and Milton used variations of this term to depict the relief of turmoil or strife in their characters.
- In many romantic novels, a character often seeks to assuage their partner's fears or worries, highlighting its emotional significance.
Psychology
- Research in psychology shows that emotional support can assuage anxiety, promoting mental well-being.
- Therapeutic techniques often involve helping individuals to acknowledge and assuage their own feelings of distress.
- Mindfulness practices can assuage negative emotions by fostering a sense of calm and acceptance.
Cultural Use
- In various cultures, offering food or comfort can assuage sorrow during times of loss or grieving.
- The concept of 'assuaging' plays a role in conflict resolution, as calming tensions is essential for peace-building.
- Many cultures have rituals designed to assuage a community's grief, such as memorials and communal gatherings.
Pop Culture
- The term appears in popular songs and films, often describing moments where characters seek to calm their fears or emotions.
- In modern media, significant emotional moments often revolve around characters assuaging each otherโs pain, emphasizing human connection.
- Songs that explore themes of love often feature lyrics about assuaging feelings of loneliness or heartache.
Origin of 'assuage'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'assuage' comes from the Latin 'adsuavis,' meaning 'to make sweet,' showing its roots in sweetness and relief.
- It has been used in English since the 13th century, starting from the Old French word 'asseuerer.'
- In Middle English, it meant to soften or alleviate discomfort, indicative of its calming nature.
The word 'assuage' originated from the Latin word 'assuaviare', which means to sweeten or soften. It entered the English language in the 14th century and has since been used to describe the act of calming or soothing something unpleasant. The word has evolved over time to encompass a broader range of meanings, but its essence of providing relief or satisfaction remains consistent.
See also: assuagement, assuager.