What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
allaying
Example
The doctor tried allaying the patient's fears by explaining the procedure in detail. [allaying: verb]
Example
The company's efforts at allaying public concerns about the product's safety were successful. [allaying: gerund or present participle]
assuage
Example
The mother tried to assuage her child's fears by hugging him tightly. [assuage: verb]
Example
The medication helped to assuage the patient's pain and discomfort. [assuage: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Assuage is less common than allaying in everyday language, but both words are still used in formal and informal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between allaying and assuage?
Both allaying and assuage are considered formal words, but allaying may be slightly more common in everyday language.
