Alleviate vs. Elevate — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
Alleviate refers to reducing pain or trouble, whereas elevate involves raising something to a higher position or state.
Difference Between Alleviate and Elevate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Alleviate is used to describe the act of making something less severe or painful, such as symptoms or difficulties. On the other hand, elevate means to lift something up or to increase in rank or importance.
Alleviate typically applies to intangible concepts like stress or discomfort. Whereas, elevate can refer to both physical lifting and metaphorical improvement, such as elevating someone's status.
In medical or therapeutic contexts, alleviate is commonly used to describe actions taken to lessen pain or alleviate symptoms. Whereas, in the context of physical or career advancement, elevate is used.
Alleviate has a connotation of providing relief or easing a burden. On the other hand, elevate carries a positive connotation of improvement or ascension to a higher state.The goal of actions described by alleviate is to bring comfort or relief. Meanwhile, the goal of actions described by elevate is often to promote, enhance, or glorify.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Make less severe or intense
Raise to a higher position
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Usage Contexts
Medical, therapeutic, emotional
Physical, social, professional
Connotation
Relief, reduction
Improvement, promotion
Typical Objects
Pain, stress, problems
Status, level, physical objects
Result Aimed
Comfort, mitigation
Advancement, enhancement
Compare with Definitions
Alleviate
Reduce the severity of.
Doctors prescribe medication to alleviate pain.
Elevate
Lift something physically.
The crane was used to elevate the heavy beams.
Alleviate
Lighten a workload.
Delegating tasks can alleviate an overwhelming schedule.
Elevate
Promote to a higher position.
Her excellent performance elevated her to a managerial role.
Alleviate
Ease emotional distress.
Talking to a friend can alleviate loneliness.
Elevate
Increase the level of something.
Elevate the intensity of your workout gradually.
Alleviate
Make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe
Measures to alleviate unemployment
He couldn't prevent her pain, only alleviate it
Elevate
Raise spiritually or morally.
The inspirational speech aimed to elevate the audience's spirits.
Alleviate
To make (pain, for example) less intense or more bearable
A drug that alleviates cold symptoms.
Elevate
Raise or lift (something) to a higher position
The exercise will naturally elevate your chest and head
Alleviate
To lessen or reduce
Alleviate unemployment.
Elevate
Raise to a more important or impressive level
He has elevated bad taste into an art form
He was elevated to Secretary of State
Alleviate
(transitive) To reduce or lessen the severity of a pain or difficulty .
Alcohol is often a cheap tool to alleviate the stress of a hard day.
Alleviate his pain
Elevate
To move (something) to a higher place or position from a lower one; lift.
Alleviate
To lighten or lessen the force or weight of.
Should no others join capable to alleviate the expense.
Those large bladders . . . conduce much to the alleviating of the body [of flying birds].
Elevate
To increase the amount or intensity of
Factors that elevate blood pressure.
Alleviate
To lighten or lessen (physical or mental troubles); to mitigate, or make easier to be endured; as, to alleviate sorrow, pain, care, etc. ; - opposed to aggravate.
The calamity of the want of the sense of hearing is much alleviated by giving the use of letters.
Elevate
To promote to a higher rank.
Alleviate
To extenuate; to palliate.
He alleviates his fault by an excuse.
Elevate
To raise to a higher moral, cultural, or intellectual level
Elevate the tone of the debate.
Alleviate
Provide physical relief, as from pain;
This pill will relieve your headaches
Elevate
To lift the spirits of; elate.
Alleviate
Make easier;
You could facilitate the process by sharing your knowledge
Elevate
(Baseball) To throw a high pitch, usually a fastball, after a series of lower pitches, especially in an attempt to get a strikeout.
Alleviate
Lessen a burden.
New policies were introduced to alleviate economic stress.
Elevate
(transitive) To raise (something) to a higher position.
The doctor told me elevating my legs would help reduce the swelling.
Alleviate
Mitigate risks.
Proper training can alleviate workplace accidents.
Elevate
(transitive) To promote (someone) to a higher rank.
Elevate
(transitive) To confer honor or nobility on (someone).
The traditional worldview elevates man as the pinnacle of creation.
Elevate
(transitive) To make (something or someone) more worthy or of greater value.
A talented chef can elevate everyday ingredients into gourmet delights.
Elevate
(transitive) To direct (the mind, thoughts, etc.) toward more worthy things.
Elevate
(transitive) To increase the intensity or degree of (something).
Some drugs have the side effect of elevating your blood sugar level.
Elevate
(dated) To increase the loudness of (a sound, especially one's voice).
Elevate
To lift the spirits of (someone)
Elevate
To intoxicate in a slight degree; to make (someone) tipsy.
Elevate
To attempt to make (something) seem less important, remarkable, etc.
Elevate
(obsolete) Elevated; raised aloft.
Elevate
Elevated; raised aloft.
Elevate
To bring from a lower place to a higher; to lift up; to raise; as, to elevate a weight, a flagstaff, etc.
Elevate
To raise to a higher station; to promote; as, to elevate to an office, or to a high social position.
Elevate
To raise from a depressed state; to animate; to cheer; as, to elevate the spirits.
Elevate
To exalt; to ennoble; to dignify; as, to elevate the mind or character.
Elevate
To raise to a higher pitch, or to a greater degree of loudness; - said of sounds; as, to elevate the voice.
Elevate
To intoxicate in a slight degree; to render tipsy.
Elevate
To lessen; to detract from; to disparage.
Elevate
Give a promotion to or assign to a higher position;
John was kicked upstairs when a replacement was hired
Women tend not to advance in the major law firms
I got promoted after many years of hard work
Elevate
Raise from a lower to a higher position;
Raise your hands
Lift a load
Elevate
Raise in rank or condition;
The new law lifted many people from poverty
Elevate
Enhance reputation or quality.
The award elevated the writer to national prominence.
Common Curiosities
Can elevate be used in a psychological context?
Yes, elevate can be used to describe improving someone's mood or spiritual state.
What are common methods to alleviate stress?
Common methods include relaxation techniques, exercise, and seeking social support.
What does it mean to alleviate pain?
To alleviate pain means to reduce its intensity or make it more bearable.
How does education elevate a person?
Education elevates a person by enhancing their knowledge, skills, and potentially their social and economic status.
What does it mean to alleviate financial burdens?
It means to reduce the impact or severity of financial obligations and stress.
Is alleviate used for physical lifting?
No, alleviate is not used for physical lifting; it pertains to reducing severity or easing burdens.
How can someone elevate their career?
Someone can elevate their career by acquiring new skills, achieving notable accomplishments, or gaining promotions.
Can alleviate be used in emotional contexts?
Yes, alleviate is often used to describe easing emotional distress or psychological discomfort.
Can art elevate a community?
Yes, art can elevate a community by boosting cultural value, enhancing aesthetics, and promoting social cohesion.
How do you elevate a simple dish to a gourmet level?
By using high-quality ingredients, refined techniques, and presentation skills, you can elevate a simple dish.
What does it mean to elevate a building?
It means to raise the structure to a higher position, often using equipment or construction techniques.
Is there a quick way to alleviate symptoms of a cold?
Over-the-counter medications and rest are quick ways to alleviate symptoms of a cold.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
