How to pronounce alleviate
Say it like uh-LEE-vee-ayt. Alleviate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce alleviate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- LEE
- vee
- ayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alleviate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- veeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- aytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of alleviate
American and British speakers say alleviate in essentially the same way: /əˈliviˌeɪt/ in the US and /əˈliːviˌeɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-LEE-vee-ayt.
What does alleviate mean?
- provide physical relief, as from pain“This pill will relieve your headaches”
- make easier“you could facilitate the process by sharing your knowledge”
Where does alleviate come from?
Borrowed from Late Latin alleviatus, past participle of alleviāre (“to lighten; to alleviate”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with alleviate
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of alleviate.
Questions about saying alleviate
How do you pronounce alleviate?
Say uh-LEE-vee-ayt. The American pronunciation is /əˈliviˌeɪt/. In British English it is /əˈliːviˌeɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alleviate?
Alleviate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LEE). Broken into parts: uh · LEE · vee · ayt.
Do Americans and Brits say alleviate the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈliviˌeɪt/ and the British form is /əˈliːviˌeɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.