To alleviate means to make something bad or painful less severe or easier to bear. When you alleviate a problem, you don't necessarily solve it completely, but you reduce its intensity or make it more manageable.

A cold compress can alleviate the pain of a twisted ankle. Medicine might alleviate the symptoms of a cold, even though it doesn't cure the cold itself. When a teacher notices students struggling with too much homework, she might alleviate their stress by pushing back a deadline or removing an assignment.

Think of it as lifting some weight off someone's shoulders. A kind word might alleviate a friend's worry about an upcoming presentation. Opening the windows can alleviate the stuffiness in a hot classroom.

Alleviate is particularly useful when describing partial relief. If your little brother is scared of thunderstorms, leaving a night light on might alleviate his fear, even though he's still a bit nervous. The improvement matters, even when the problem hasn't completely disappeared.