ameliorate
To make something better or improve a difficult situation
Examples
In a meeting
“These policy changes should ameliorate working conditions for our team.”
Over coffee
“A good night's sleep can ameliorate most of my stress.”
Why this word
improve
improve is general, while ameliorate specifically means to make better something that was bad or unsatisfactory
better
better is informal and vague, while ameliorate is formal and means to make more tolerable or less severe
enhance
enhance means to improve something already good, while ameliorate means to improve something problematic or deficient
Usage tip
Use when describing making something better, especially difficult situations. More sophisticated than 'improve' but similar in meaning.
Etymology
French 'améliorer' from Latin 'melior' (better) — to make better
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
revamp
To give new and improved form, structure, or appearance to something.
augment
To make something greater by adding to it; to supplement.
retrofit
To add new features or components to something already existing
alleviated
Make a problem or pain less severe
rejuvenate
To restore energy, vitality, or youthful vigor
remission
A temporary or permanent decrease in severity of disease symptoms