Vocabulary in context
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Ameliorate
To make or become better
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Imagine This
Amelio, a homeless man, ate at charitable meal sites and begged for money in order to make life better.
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Sounds Like
uh-MEEL-ee-or-ate
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Looks Like
root melior (Latin for 'better'); resembles melior + -ate
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Remember This
Mr. Gil Amelio was once hired by Apple Computer to make the company better. Instead, he was let go shortly thereafter.
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Other Forms
ameliorationnoun
ameliorativeadjective
amelioratornoun
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Connect With
improve, enhance, refine, upgrade, alleviate
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Note
Ameliorate is a formal word used to describe improving a condition, situation, or problem. It is not typically used for people in a literal sense; use with conditions, policies, or circumstances (e.g., 'to ameliorate poverty').
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The new policies are designed to ameliorate the effects of the drought on farmers.
- Efforts to ameliorate urban congestion include expanding public transit and redesigning roadways.
Synonyms
improveenhancerefineupgradealleviate
Antonyms
worsendeteriorateexacerbate
Etymology
From French ameliorer, from Latin melior meaning 'better'. The English form came via Old French, ultimately deriving from Latin melior.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: A MELIOR + ATE = ameliorate; remember that melior means 'better' in Latin, and adding the suffix -ate turns it into 'to make better.'
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Fickle
adjectiveOften changing; unstable or inconsistent in behavior, opinions, or loyalties.
Tenacious
adjectiveNot easily pulled apart; holding fast or continuing with determination, whether physically or figuratively.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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