Chinese word

缓解

Pronunciation

Pinyinhuǎn jiě

Meaning

  • verbease

Example

他的笑话能缓解尴尬气氛。tā de xiào huà néng huán jiě gān gà qì fēn

His jokes can ease the awkward atmosphere.

Illustration for 缓解 (ease)

More examples

双方的沟通有助于缓解矛盾。shuāng fāng de gōu tōng yǒu zhù yú huán jiě máo dùn

Communication between the two sides can help ease the conflict.

Core concept

Pressure loosens little by little, making a person or situation easier to bear.

Common phrases

  • 缓解症状huán jiě zhèng zhuàng

    ease symptoms

  • 缓解矛盾huán jiě máo dùn

    ease conflict

  • 缓解紧张huán jiě jǐn zhāng

    ease tension

Similar words

缓和huǎn hé: Makes a tense atmosphere or relationship more relaxed and peaceful.
减轻jiǎn qīng: Reduces the severity of pain or the weight of a burden.
解决jiě jué: Handles a problem or difficulty and brings matters back to normal.

Definition in Chinese

使某种不舒服或紧迫感逐渐缓和，常用于描述症状或场面氛围的减轻。shǐ móu zhǒng bù shū fú huò jǐn pò gǎn zhú jiàn huǎn hé cháng yòng yú miáo shù zhèng zhuàng huò chǎng miàn fēn wéi de jiǎn qīng

Word origin

缓 (huǎn, "to slacken") + 解 (jiě, "to untie") frames relief as loosening what is tight, so the compound applies to bodily discomfort and tense situations.

Usage tips

  • It usually marks a decrease in strain rather than a complete fix, so the original discomfort or awkwardness may still remain.

Other meanings

  • relieveverb
  • go into remissionverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word