allay
to reduce or relieve fear, worry, or pain
Word origin: From Old English alecgan, to lay down or put aside.
Allay in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing allay in a sentence.
The captain's calm voice helped allay the passengers' fears.
The chief executive issued a statement to allay investors' fears after the unexpected resignation.
Using “allay” well
Allay is used for calming negative feelings such as fear, suspicion, or doubt, reducing their intensity. It pairs naturally with abstract emotions rather than physical objects.
More GRE words starting with A
to lower in rank, dignity, or self-respect
to make someone feel embarrassed or ashamed
to lessen in intensity or amount
to formally give up power or responsibility
departing from what is normal or expected
a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected
a state of temporary suspension or inactivity
to regard with strong disgust or hatred
Questions about “allay”
Learn words the way the GRE tests them.
Vocabulary sticks when you meet it in real sentences. Practise these words inside text completion and sentence equivalence questions.