relieve: [14] Relieve goes back via Old French relever to Latin relevāre ‘raise again’, a compound verb formed from the prefix re- ‘again’ and levāre ‘raise’ (source of English elevate, levy, etc). Its metaphorical extension to ‘lighten, alleviate’ began in Latin. The derived noun relief reached English in two phases. First, in the standard sense ‘easing, alleviation’, via Anglo-Norman relef in the 14th century; and then, in the 17th century, via French from Italian relievo in the sense ‘raised area in a design’ – a return to the etymological meaning ‘raise’. => elevate, levy, relevant
relieve (v.)
late 14c., "alleviate (pain, etc.), mitigate; afford comfort; allow respite; diminish the pressure of," also "give alms to, provide for;" also figuratively, "take heart, cheer up;" from Old French relever "to raise, relieve" (11c.) and directly from Latin relevare "to raise, alleviate, lift up, free from a burden," from re-, intensive prefix (see re-), + levare "to lift up, lighten," from levis "not heavy" (see lever).
The notion is "to raise (someone) out of trouble." From c. 1400 as "advance to the rescue in battle;" also "return from battle; recall (troops)." Meaning "release from duty" is from early 15c. Related: relieved; relieving.
实用例句
1. Massage is used to relax muscles, relieve stress and improve the circulation.
按摩可以使肌肉放松，缓解压力和促进血液循环。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Peppermint leaves are believed to relieve tiredness and nasal stuffiness.
据信薄荷叶可以减轻疲劳和鼻塞。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Smiling and laughing has actually been shown to relieve tension and stress.
事实证明，微笑和大笑能够缓解焦虑和压力。
来自柯林斯例句
4. At seven o'clock the night nurse came in to relieve her.
7点钟的时候夜班护士来接她的班。
来自柯林斯例句
5. She watches television to relieve the monotony of everyday life.
