a. Alleviate = make easier to endure; mitigate b. mitigate = lessen in force or intensity; make less severe c. soften = to make soft or softer, to become soft or softer d. dampen = (a) to (cause to) become damp or moist, (b) to (cause to) become dull or depressed, (c) to damp (= to check or retard the action of (something that vibrates or oscillates))

These words can all be used as synonyms. However, I think an easy way to remember the differences in these is to think of the context. As a native English speaker, here are the contexts I would use these words in. Alleviate = Medical or physical context, often referring to reducing pain. Mitigate = Business or scientific context. Often referring to risk. This is sort of an intellectual word. Soften = Any context, more of a physical description. Soft is the opposite of hard. However, soften can simply be used as the word "reduce". Dampen = This one is the most different from the others. Sometimes used very similar to soften, but mostly used to mean adding water to an object. EXAMPLES: This new medicine will help alleviate your pain. My financial product will help mitigate any risk from overspending your budget. Being kind when speaking will help soften the blow of bad news. Adding a blanket to a hard sofa will help soften it. Dampen the rag so that you can wipe your face off. Being mean when speaking will dampen the spirits of those around you.