Relieve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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relieve
[rɪˈliːv ]
Definitions
stress
To alleviate or remove stress, anxiety, or discomfort.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| relieve |
When you want to talk about reducing or removing something unpleasant, like pain or stress.
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| alleviate |
Used in more formal situations, often related to lessening the severity of symptoms or problems, both physical and metaphorical.
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| ease |
Often used in casual contexts to talk about making something less severe or more comfortable.
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| soothe |
Typically used when referring to calming or comforting someone or something, often emotionally or physically.
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Examples of usage
- Taking a break can help relieve stress.
- I took a deep breath to relieve my anxiety.
pain
To lessen or ease physical pain.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| relieve |
Used when you want to describe the reduction or removal of stress, pain, or pressure. Often used in medical or emotional contexts.
|
| ease |
Typically used to describe making something less unpleasant or painful. It can apply to both physical and emotional discomforts and is often used in everyday scenarios.
|
| alleviate |
Commonly used in more formal contexts to describe making symptoms or problems less severe. It often implies a temporary or partial reduction.
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| lessen |
Used to describe making something smaller in amount, degree, or severity. It is often used in more general or abstract situations.
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Examples of usage
- I took some painkillers to relieve the headache.
- Massaging the sore muscles can help relieve the pain.
duty
To free someone from a duty or obligation.
Synonyms
release, substitute, take over.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| relieve |
Used when talking about reducing or removing stress, pain, or worry.
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| release |
Used when talking about letting someone or something go, or making something known or available.
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| take over |
Used when talking about assuming control, responsibility, or duties from someone else.
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| substitute |
Used when talking about replacing one thing or person with another.
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Examples of usage
- I will take over your shift to relieve you.
- The substitute teacher relieved the regular teacher for the day.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Releasing stress through activities like exercise can relieve anxiety and improve mood.
- Studies show that sharing worries with friends or family can significantly relieve emotional burdens.
- Psychological relief often involves cognitive restructuring, helping individuals change their perspective on stressful situations.
Health
- Pain relieve methods can include medication, physical therapy, and alternative treatments like acupuncture.
- Breathing techniques and meditation are known to relieve stress and promote relaxation.
- In healthcare, relieving symptoms is as crucial as curing diseases, focusing on quality of life.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'relief pitcher' in baseball refers to a player who comes in to ease the pressure on the starting pitcher.
- Songs often use themes of relief in lyrics, reflecting the joy of letting go of burdens.
- Animated shows frequently depict characters finding relief in humorous ways, emphasizing laughter as a method of easing stress.
Literature
- In literature, characters often seek relief from their struggles, symbolizing the human quest for peace.
- Poets frequently express themes of relief through nature, portraying it as a source of sanctuary from life's woes.
- The motif of 'relief' can be found in many coming-of-age stories, where protagonists resolve their inner conflicts and find joy.
Origin of 'relieve'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'relevare', meaning 'to raise up' or 'to ease' someone's burden.
- In Old French, it was 'reliever', which retained the same meaning of making someone or something feel lighter.
- The prefix 're-' suggests doing something again, while 'leave' implies letting go, together creating the sense of 'to let go again'.
The word 'relieve' originated from the Old French word 'relever', meaning 'to raise up, alleviate'. It entered the English language in the 14th century. The concept of 'relieve' has always been associated with lightening a burden, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical.
Word Frequency Rank
At #5,060 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
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- 5057 juvenile
- 5058 contracting
- 5059 quarterly
- 5060 relieve
- 5061 inheritance
- 5062 grasp
- 5063 funeral
- ...