ameliorate AIBU?

[LightTheFlameThrower]

Is this really a standard word that most people know? (I thought it was a typo)

I think it’s quite a common word, yes. I would be surprised if people didn’t know it. I definitely use it.

I'm surprised people with degrees don't know this word. Even if it's not an english degree you are surely writing academically. I often use the word when writing academic articles eg it ameliorates the effect...

@Flibbertigibbet2211, vernacular for mathematician, wranglers and wooden spoons (and probably other words too).

Can someone someone please tell me how to pronounce this word so I can use it in my next zoom meeting which I know will be a fucker.

I will be out of my depth and I want to slide this in there as it will be perfect for the tone of the meeting and
The fact I'm pure scouse

@Brokenchair1 maybe it depends on your field - are you science based? I have read countless academic papers for my PhD and I’ve never seen it used before.

It strikes me as very formal register and/or a professional register. So would tie in with her precise use of language. I think it's a fantasy/fantastic type thing.

I know it, rarely use it and can only think of quite specific situations in which I would use it. I have a senior role and mostly write for a living with a formal, but quite job specific, vocabulary.

@nancybotwinbloom ah-MEE-lee-or-ate.

I would also say if you’re only seeing it and using it in academic writing then it’s not common. Common to me is a word I could use taking to anyone from my hairdresser to my grandmother

@foreverAintenough Yes I am 😊 I still feel like this is a word I see/use often but maybe it's bias confirmation.

Ah, I thought this thread was about the moisturising cream and clicked on for reviews

I thought you meant the body cream brand www.ameliorate.com/

I think if you have ever learned it on French you use it from then on because it's useful.

Frankly someone with an English degree who is an English teacher SHOULD know what it means if only because it takes 2 seconds to google - have you become jaded and lost all interest in English? I can't imagine saying 'I don't know what that means' and not finding out myself!

I studied Italian and the translation of the verb 'to improve' is 'ameliorare'. I'm presuming Latin. So I know what it means, but I can't say that I know that from being a native English speaker. I think I know it from translating Italian back to English. I may have seen it written in a book and would have understood it from Italian. I genuinely can't think of a single instance where I've heard it in real life - on the News or in conversation.

Never came across that word in english but very familiar with it in french.
I'm 100% going to start using it tomorrow at work just to see people's faces.

I've read the thread and no one has used it quite as I would- so I'm off to consult Google.

I'd use it almost like 'offset'. It's a partial restitution, or an attempt to put right/make amends for something damaging.

It's a word I know and have used a few times, but I read it more than I use it.

Its one of my favourite words when writing in a professional capacity, but it sometimes creeps in on social media too!

Thank you @@EmilySpinach I will endeavour to use this at some point tomorrow. I really hope I get the opportunity to.

So having read various definitions, I'm going with 'mitigate'.

Love a good word thread.

When I was a teen I used the word 'despot' and was surprised the adults I was speaking to hadn't heard the word before. Made me feel quite self conscious.

I will copy and paste it onto my notes
So I don't say exfoliate as is what my brain keeps saying.

ah-MEE-lee-or-ate.

Ooooh I'm excited now for my call. It will be a fucker.

@Brokenchair1 I am Econ and it’s not used in our field at all. I could see based on the definitions how it would be more relevant to use in a science based area.

@AnnnaBananna

It’s a very common word. I’d be surprised if someone didn’t know what it means.

Really? I’m not Einstein but I’m not stupid, I read everything and anything, and think I’ve got a high end of average vocabulary and it isn’t even giving me even a stirring of recognition.

@EmilySpinach GREAT name

I wouldn’t use it in conversation. It is one of those words that is not widely enough known, and you can easily come across as pompous. Generally a couple of more common words would suffice.

I also wouldn’t use the word suffice in conversation though!

I think my brain vocabulary gets filtered before speaking, due to years of being told not to be show-offy with long words.

@LadyWaiting

I studied Italian and the translation of the verb 'to improve' is 'ameliorare'. I'm presuming Latin. So I know what it means, but I can't say that I know that from being a native English speaker. I think I know it from translating Italian back to English. I may have seen it written in a book and would have understood it from Italian. I genuinely can't think of a single instance where I've heard it in real life - on the News or in conversation.

Oooh that’s interesting! Honestly I was completely stumped so going to have to use it daily now I know it.