| 释义 |
ameliorate, v.|əˈmiːlɪəreɪt|
[a recent formation (not in Johnson 1773), after the earlier meliorate q.v., on Fr. améliorer, refashioned from OFr. ameillorer to make better, f. à to + meillorer:—L. meliōrāre, f. melior better.]
1. trans. To make better; to better, improve.
1767[See ameliorating]. 1779Swinburne Trav. Spain xxxvi. (T.) The probability of their lot being so much ameliorated. 1813Sir H. Davy Agric. Chem. 203 A sterile soil..may be ameliorated by the application of quick lime. 1849Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 279 In every human being there is a wish to ameliorate his own condition. 1879Quatrefages' Hum. Spec. 70 Gardeners and breeders..ameliorate..the plants and animals in which they are interested.
2. intr. To grow better.
1789–96Morse Amer. Geog. I. 626 The state of things is rapidly ameliorating. 1882Geikie in Macm. Mag. Mar. 365/2 [Man]..would find his way back as the climate ameliorated. |