"Alleviate" and "mitigate" are terms often used in contexts where the goal is to reduce the severity or impact of a problem, but they carry slightly different connotations:
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Alleviate: This term generally means to make something less severe or burdensome. It often refers to reducing pain, suffering, or discomfort. For example, you might alleviate someone's pain with medication or alleviate a stressful situation through support.
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Mitigate: This term typically refers to the act of making something less severe, serious, or painful, but it is often used in a broader context, particularly in discussions about risks or negative consequences. For example, you might mitigate risks in a project by implementing safety measures or mitigate the effects of climate change through sustainable practices.
In summary, while both terms involve reducing negativity, "alleviate" often focuses on direct relief from discomfort, whereas "mitigate" tends to deal with reducing risks or negative effects more generally.