(v.) to calm or pacify, set to rest; to lessen or relieve

The politician made a speech in order to allay his constituents' fears.

synonyms: reduce, alleviate, moderate

antonyms: aggravate, exacerbate, intensify

(adj.) beastlike; beastly, brutal; subhuman in intelligence and sensibility 

In beating their prisoners, the guards were guilty of a truly besital act.

synonyms: animal, depraved, loatheome

antonyms: human, humane, clement, virtuous, upright

(adj.) festive, sociable, having fun together, genial

Thanksgiving dinner at Grandmother's house is always a convivial family gathering.

synonyms: fun-loving, jovial, merry

antonyms: dour, grim, sullen, unsociable