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English Lexicon

Relieve

/rɪˈliːv/
verbCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #2150 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To cause (pain, distress, or difficulty) to become less severe.

    "She took a painkiller to relieve her headache."
  2. 2

    To free from a burden or obligation.

    "The new policy aims to relieve employees of unnecessary paperwork."
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Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum

Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Middle English word 'reliven', which came from Old French 'reliever', originating from Latin 'relevare' (meaning 'to raise up, alleviate'), formed by 're-' (again/intensifier) plus 'levare' (to raise, from 'levis' meaning light). Over centuries, the meaning shifted from physically lifting up or raising to easing a burden, alleviating pain, or freeing someone from difficulty.

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