erleichtern
Translation
to make easier, to facilitate, to relieve
Examples
Diese Maschine erleichtert die Arbeit.
This machine makes the work easier.
Seine Worte erleichterten mein Herz.
His words relieved my heart.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) erleichtern to make sth. easier Modern technology makes life easier.
((j-m)) ((et4)) erleichtern to make sth. easier for sb. I'll make the decision easier for you.
Similar Words
Synonyms: vereinfachen, lindern; Antonyms: erschweren, belasten
Etymology
From er- (prefix for change of state) + leicht (light, easy) + -ern (verbal suffix). Literally 'to make lighter' or 'to make easier'.
Memory Tips
Think of making something 'lighter' (leicht). The prefix er- indicates the process of causing this change.