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Wordabulary

ameliorate

Pronunciation
Verb B1 Intermediate

Quick answer

To make a bad situation better, though not necessarily perfect.

"New drainage systems helped ameliorate the flooding in low-lying neighborhoods."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

worsen

Usage notes

A fairly formal word; "improve" is the everyday equivalent in most contexts.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "New drainage systems helped _____ the flooding in low-lying neighborhoods."

Answer: ameliorate

In your own words, what does "ameliorate" mean?

To make a bad situation better, though not necessarily perfect.

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