relieve - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
relieve Word Meanings
- to make something less severe or serious
- to free someone from a burden or discomfort
- to alleviate pain or distress
relieve Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
relieve Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/rɪˈliːv/
US
/rɪˈliv/
relieve Word Etymology
re- (again) + lieve (to raise or lift) → Latin 'relievare' → Old French 'relever' → English 'relieve'. Imagine lifting a heavy weight off someone’s shoulders, setting them free from their burden.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I shift in my chair, pull my shoulders back, and push out a long breath. A tight knot loosens and I hold still for a beat as the room seems to quiet. I realize I can relieve the pressure by moving my body just a touch, letting the weight slide away. In everyday talk, we relieve a headache, a burden, or distress by taking action that fits the moment.
Real Context
Relieve means to reduce something burdensome, painful, or distressing. It can mean physically easing pain, freeing someone from a burden, or making a situation feel less severe. You relieve symptoms with medicine, relieve pressure by sharing duties, or relieve anxiety by talking things through. The focus is on mitigating intensity rather than curing completely, and the phrase often collocates with pain, burden, distress, symptoms, and stress. In everyday use, people say 'relieve the pain', 'relieve someone’s worries', or 'seek relief from symptoms'. Learners should note the nuance of temporary versus lasting relief and avoid confusing relieve with relax or ease; choose the verb to match duration and suggested outcome.
Usage Reminders
- Learn common phrases: relieve pain, relieve symptoms, relieve anxiety, relieve a burden, be relieved of a duty. Remember relief is about reducing intensity, not curing. Distinguish from relax/ease. Use be relieved of something for passive voice.
Common Misconceptions
- Relieve means to make someone happy or free from danger in a legal sense.
- Relieve and relax are interchangeable in most contexts.
- Relieve implies a complete cure.
- Relieve can be used only for physical pain, not emotional distress.
- Relieve is the same as relieve oneself of a task in every situation.
Thinking Differences
Relieve is a concrete action verb in English; it focuses on reducing intensity. Learners often confuse it with 'relax' or think it means 'set free' in all senses.
Learning Tips
- Pair relieve with concrete nouns: pain, symptoms, anxiety, burden, distress.
- Remember it implies reduction, not cure.
- Compare with relax and ease to pick the right nuance.
- Use passive form be relieved of for duties or responsibilities.
- Distinguish temporary relief from lasting relief.
- Noun form is relief; it denotes the alleviation itself.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'relieve' mean?
A.To lessen or alleviate
B.To cause trouble
C.To break
D.To increase
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'relieve' correctly?
A.Running a marathon will relieve my hunger.
B.Eating too much candy will relieve my headache.
C.The heavy workload will relieve my stress.
D.Watching a scary movie will relieve my boredom.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'relieve'?
A.Reduce
B.Increase
C.Expand
D.Assist
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'relieve'?
A.Intensify
B.Heighten
C.Worsen
D.Aggravate
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'relieve'?
A.Eating a large meal and feeling stressed.
B.Getting stuck in traffic and feeling anxious.
C.Finishing a difficult exam and feeling relieved.
D.Losing a job and feeling overwhelmed.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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