It’s such a satisfying feeling when all of your hard work pays off, and the effort you’ve devoted to ameliorate your vocabulary gives you the reward of improved communication skills, professional development and progress, and the satisfaction of being able to read and understand the essays and articles of the world’s best thinkers. All this became possible because you improved your command of the English language: you expanded the size of your vocabulary, increased the number of powerful words you’re able to use in context, and learned how to pick and choose exactly the right words for any situation.

The verb ameliorate (uh-MEE-lee-or-ait) means to make better or to improve. The word comes from the Latin melior (“better”); if you speak French, you’ll recognize the same root in the word meilleur. The noun form of this word is amelioration (uh-MEE-lee-or-AY-shun). Some synonyms of ameliorate include mitigate and enhance; deteriorate, impair, reduce, and worsen are common antonyms.

Example 1: By introducing native plants and fencing the area to keep the livestock out, the environmental restoration team was able to ameliorate the worst effects of the overgrazing, and the habitat eventually recovered.

Example 2: My friend says that if I take three vitamin C tablets before going on a trip, it will ameliorate the symptoms of vertigo and nausea I frequently experience when traveling by train or airplane.

If you don’t feel like you’ve been making progress, here’s a hint from the French psychologist Émile Coué, who believed in the power of autosuggestion, or using the conscious mind to affect the unconscious and thereby changing one’s outlook on life, and life itself. He suggests repeating the phrase “Every day, and in every way, I’m getting better and better” morning and evening (or “Tous les jours à tous points de vue je vais de mieux en mieux” for a result that’s meilleur). If you say it often enough, you’ll believe it, and if you believe it, that will give you the optimism and energy to pick up your studies again.

You’re making progress, and we congratulate you! Keep reading this blog for more handy tips, interesting vocabulary-related facts, and useful words and definitions. If there’s a topic you’d like us to research and post, let us know in the comments section.