What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
allay
Example
The doctor tried to allay the patient's anxiety by explaining the procedure. [allay: verb]
Example
The company's efforts to allay public concerns about the safety of their products were successful. [allaying: gerund or present participle]
alleviate
Example
The medication helped to alleviate her chronic back pain. [alleviate: verb]
Example
The government implemented policies to alleviate poverty in the country. [alleviating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alleviate is more commonly used than allay in everyday language. Alleviate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while allay is less common and refers to a more specific type of relief.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between allay and alleviate?
Both allay and alleviate can be used in formal or informal contexts, but alleviate may be perceived as more formal due to its broader usage and more technical connotation.
