'aliviar' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'alleviare' (from 'ad-' + 'levis'), where 'ad-' meant 'to/toward' and 'levis' meant 'light (not heavy)'.

'aliviar' changed from Medieval Latin 'alleviare' into Old Spanish forms and eventually became the modern Spanish verb 'aliviar'.

Initially it meant 'to make light' (reduce weight or relieve a load); over time it evolved into the broader sense 'to relieve, ease, or lessen pain, burden, or distress'.