French word

soulager

Pronunciation

IPA/sulaʒe/

Meaning

  • verbrelieve

Example

Ce médicament va soulager la douleur.

This medication will relieve the pain.

Illustration for soulager (relieve)

More examples

Un massage peut soulager les tensions dans le dos.

A massage can ease the tensions in the back.

Core concept

A weight lifted from a body or mind, leaving movement or feeling freer.

Common phrases

  • soulager la douleur

    ease the pain

  • soulager le stress

    ease stress

Similar words

calmer: To soothe severe pain or anxiety and help restore calm.
diminuer: To lower the quantity, strength, or degree of something.

Definition in French

Alléger une charge physique ou morale, diminuer une souffrance ou un inconfort.

Word origin

Soulager comes through Old French soulagier from Latin sublevare, meaning to lift up from below, which developed into the idea of lightening a burden.

Usage tips

  • The verb takes a direct object for what is eased, as in soulager la douleur, and can take a person when the person is relieved.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word