1
Stage 1 of 4
levis
Latin · ancient
"light, not heavy"
light, not heavy, combined with re- (again)
2
Stage 2 of 4
relevare
Latin · ancient
"to lift up again, to lighten"
to lift up again, to lighten, from re- and levis
3
Stage 3 of 4
relever
Old French · medieval
"to lighten a burden or raise something up"
carried into French for lightening a burden or raising something up
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Stage 4 of 4
relieve
English · 1300s
"to lessen pain, distress, or a burden"
settled as the English word for lessening pain, distress, or a burden
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