Pronunciation: /əˈleɪ/

Definitions of allay

verb to diminish or alleviate (fear, suspicion, or worry)

Example Sentences

A1 She tried to allay his fears by reassuring him that everything would be okay.

A2 The doctor's soothing words helped to allay the patient's anxiety before the surgery.

B1 The company implemented new safety measures to allay concerns about workplace accidents.

B2 The government's efforts to allay public fears about the economy were met with skepticism by experts.

C1 The CEO's speech was carefully crafted to allay investors' concerns and restore confidence in the company.

C2 The diplomatic negotiations were successful in allaying tensions between the two countries and preventing a potential conflict.

Examples of allay in a Sentence

formal The company issued a statement to allay fears about the safety of their products.

informal Don't worry, I'll try to allay your concerns about the upcoming project.

slang I'll do my best to chill you out and allay your worries.

figurative Her soothing words were like a balm to allay his troubled mind.

Grammatical Forms of allay

past tense

allayed

plural

allay

comparative

more allaying

superlative

most allaying

present tense

allays

future tense

will allay

perfect tense

have allayed

continuous tense

is allaying

singular

allays

positive degree

allay

infinitive

to allay

gerund

allaying

participle

allayed

Origin and Evolution of allay

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'allay' originated from Middle English 'aleien' which came from Old English 'alecgan' meaning 'to lay down or put down'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'allay' shifted from 'to lay down or put down' to 'to calm or reduce intensity'.