assuage

/əˈsweɪdʒ/

Group 3Difficulty 2/3

Definitions

(verb)
To make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to relieve
GRE
(verb)
To satisfy a desire or appetite
GRE

Example in Context

The company's public apology did little to assuage the anger of families affected by the contamination scandal.

Synonyms

easesootherelieve

Etymology

To make sweet or relieve an unpleasant feeling.

  • ad- (Latin) — to
  • suavis (Latin) — sweet

Memory Aid

🌊Sounds like “a sway

When you SWAY your hips, you ASSUAGE the tension in the room, making everyone feel relaxed and happy!

Visual Association

😌A person taking a deep breath and smiling as they sink into a warm, soothing bath.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “assuage” mean on the GRE?

assuage (verb) means “To make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to relieve”. The company's public apology did little to assuage the anger of families affected by the contamination scandal.

How to remember “assuage” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “assuage” sounds like “a sway”. When you SWAY your hips, you ASSUAGE the tension in the room, making everyone feel relaxed and happy!

What are synonyms for “assuage”?

Common synonyms: ease, soothe, relieve.