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English

palliative

|pal/li/a/tive|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˈpæliˌeɪtɪv/

🇬🇧

/ˈpæliətɪv/

relief without cure

Etymology
Etymology Information

'palliative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'palliativus,' where 'palliare' meant 'to cloak or cover.'

Historical Evolution

'palliativus' transformed into the French word 'palliatif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'palliative.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to cloak or cover,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relieving pain or discomfort.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a remedy or treatment that alleviates pain or discomfort without curing the underlying condition.

Morphine is often used as a palliative in end-of-life care.

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Antonyms

Adjective 1

relieving pain or alleviating a problem without dealing with the underlying cause.

The doctor prescribed a palliative treatment to ease the patient's discomfort.

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Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/15 20:35