A correlation coefficient is a statistical measure of the degree to which changes to the value of one variable predict change to the value of another. In positively correlated variables, the value increases or decreases in tandem. In negatively correlated variables, the value of one increases as the value of the other decreases.
alleviates; alleviated; alleviating. Learner's definition of ALLEVIATE. [+ object] : to reduce the pain or trouble of (something) : to make (something) less painful, difficult, or severe. The doctor tried to alleviate [=relieve] her symptoms/suffering. finding ways to alleviate stress. The new tunnel should alleviate [=lessen, reduce] traffic on the bridge.
Usage: Ameliorate is sometimes confused with alleviate but the words are not synonymous. Ameliorate comes ultimately from the Latin for `better', and means `to improve'. The nouns it typically goes with are condition, and situation. Alleviate means `to lessen', and frequently occurs with poverty, suffering, pain, symptoms, and effects. Occasionally ameliorate is used with effects and poverty where the other verb may be more appropriate.