assuage

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The Word of the Day for February 1 is:=20

assuage   \uh-SWAYJ\   verb
         *1 : to lessen the intensity of (something that pains or distre=
sses) : ease=20
     2 : pacify, quiet=20
     3 : to put an end to by satisfying : appease, quench

Example sentence:
          After her son's first fender bender, Patty tried to assuage hi=
s feelings of humiliation by sharing tales of her own misadventures behi=
nd the wheel.
=20

Did you know?
          Scholars assume that the word "assuage" derives from "assuavia=
re," a Vulgar Latin term that combines the prefix "ad-" ("to" or "toward=
") and the Latin "suavis," meaning "sweet," "pleasant," or "agreeable."(=
"Suavis" is also the source of the adjective "suave.") To "assuage" is t=
o sweeten or make agreeable or tolerable, and it is far from the only En=
glish word for relieving or softening something difficult. Others includ=
e "allay," "alleviate," and "mitigate." "Allay" implies an effective cal=
ming or soothing of fears or alarms, while "alleviate" implies temporary=
 or partial lessening of pain or distress. "Mitigate" suggests moderatin=
g or countering the force or intensity of something painful.





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