Assuage – Definition & Meaning

Assuage is a word that is often used in literature and everyday conversation. It has a unique sound to it, and its meaning can be interpreted in various ways. This article aims to provide a comprehensive definition and meaning of the word assuage, as well as its origin, synonyms, antonyms, and associations.

Definitions

Assuage is a verb that means to make something unpleasant less severe, to calm or soothe, or to satisfy a need or desire. It can also mean to lessen the intensity of pain or grief.

Origin

The word assuage comes from the Old French word assouagier, which means to soften or mitigate. It entered the English language in the 14th century and has since been used widely in literature and everyday conversation.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, assuage means to lessen the intensity of something that pains or distresses, to calm or pacify, or to satisfy a need or desire. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as to make an unpleasant feeling less intense or severe, to satisfy a desire, or to calm or pacify.

Associations

Assuage is often associated with emotions such as pain, grief, and anxiety. It is also associated with the act of providing relief or comfort to someone who is experiencing these emotions. In literature, it is often used to describe the calming effect of nature or the soothing influence of music.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of assuage include alleviate, ease, mitigate, soothe, calm, pacify, and appease.

Antonyms

Some antonyms of assuage include intensify, aggravate, exacerbate, irritate, and provoke.

The same root words

Assuage shares its root with the words suave and suavity, which both come from the Latin word suavis, meaning sweet or pleasant.

Example Sentences

1. The soothing sound of the waves helped to assuage her anxiety.
2. The doctor prescribed painkillers to assuage the patient’s discomfort.
3. The apology did little to assuage her anger towards him.
4. The kind words of her friends helped to assuage her grief.
5. The company offered a generous severance package to assuage the employees’ concerns about the layoffs.