Word
allay
Phoneticsal·lay, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈɫeɪ/
UK/ɐlˈeɪ/
Definition
v. to make a negative feeling, like fear or worry, less strong. You use this when you want to calm someone down or make a problem seem less scary.
v. to diminish or soothe a negative emotion, such as fear, suspicion, or concern. Often used in formal contexts to describe the reduction of public or personal anxiety.
Examples
“The doctor's words helped allay her fears.”
“The government released a detailed report to allay public concerns about the safety of the new water treatment plant.”
“Despite the CEO's attempts to allay investor anxiety during the quarterly call, the stock price continued to fluctuate as market uncertainty remained high.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor's words helped allay her fears.”
contextual
“The government released a detailed report to allay public concerns about the safety of the new water treatment plant.”
complex
“Despite the CEO's attempts to allay investor anxiety during the quarterly call, the stock price continued to fluctuate as market uncertainty remained high.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and typically takes abstract nouns representing negative emotions (fears, doubts, concerns) as its direct object.
Real-World Examples
“On a night where Madrid exhibited some of the old flaws, there were doubts still – it is the first day after all – but they were at least allayed for a little while.” “The Hawaii Japanese Education Association was formed in 1915 to allay these concerns.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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