ameliorate, v.
(əˈmiːlɪəreɪt)
[a recent formation (not in Johnson 1773), after the earlier meliorate q.v., on Fr. améliorer, refashioned from OFr. ameillorer to make better, f. à to + meillorer:—L. meliōrāre, f. melior better.]
1. trans. To make better; to better, improve.
| 1767 [See ameliorating]. 1779 Swinburne Trav. Spain xxxvi. (T.) The probability of their lot being so much ameliorated. 1813 Sir H. Davy Agric. Chem. 203 A sterile soil..may be ameliorated by the application of quick lime. 1849 Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 279 In every human being there is a wish to ameliorate his own condition. 1879 Quatrefages' Hum. Spec. 70 Gardeners and breeders..ameliorate..the plants and animals in which they are interested. |
2. intr. To grow better.
| 1789–96 Morse Amer. Geog. I. 626 The state of things is rapidly ameliorating. 1882 Geikie in Macm. Mag. Mar. 365/2 [Man]..would find his way back as the climate ameliorated. |