ameliorate (a-MEL-yuh-rayt, uh-MEE-lee-) verb tr., intr., also meliorate

  To make or grow better; to improve.

[Alteration of meliorate, from Late Latin melioratus, past participle of
meliorare, from Latin melior (better).]

   "The tedium, discomfort, and confinement of an extended illness,
   ameliorated by warm surroundings and a compassionate and loving family,
   are well portrayed."
   Marie Orlando, When Vera Was Sick, School Library Journal (New York),
   Dec 1998.

This week's theme: verbs.

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Pronunciation:
http://wordsmith.org/words/ameliorate.wav
http://wordsmith.org/words/ameliorate.ram