Ameliorare

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To make something better or improve its condition or quality
2. To enhance or alleviate a situation, often in the context of social or economic issues
3. To bring about positive changes to a situation or object, resulting in a more favorable state

Etymology: "Ameliorare" is a Latin verb meaning "to make better," built from "melior," "better," the comparative of "bonus," "good." That comparative root also gave English "meliorate," "ameliorate," and, through Latin "melioratio," the noun "amelioration." The Latin word itself is a straightforward formation: the prefix "ad-" (here shifted to "a-" before "m") added to the verb "meliorare," which means to improve, so "ameliorare" intensifies that sense of making something move toward a better state. English borrowed the verb directly from Latin, and the earlier form "meliorate" entered the language before "ameliorate" became the more common spelling. Both forms are still in use, though "ameliorate" is now the standard choice in most writing. The word is often applied to conditions, such as ameliorating poverty or ameliorating a bad situation, rather than to physical objects.

Synonyms: improve, enhance, better, upgrade, refine

Antonyms: worsen, deteriorate, degrade, impair, decline