melioration

mel·io·ra·tion  (mly-rshn, ml--)

n.

1.

a. The act or process of improving something or the state of being improved.

b. An improvement.

2. The linguistic process by which a word over a period of time grows more elevated in meaning or more positive in connotation.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	melioration - the act of relieving ills and changing for the better amelioration, betterment improvement - the act of improving something; "their improvements increased the value of the property"
	2.	melioration - a condition superior to an earlier condition; "the new school represents a great improvement" improvement condition, status - a state at a particular time; "a condition (or state) of disrepair"; "the current status of the arms negotiations" betterment - an improvement that adds to the value of a property or facility development - a state in which things are improving; the result of developing (as in the early part of a game of chess); "after he saw the latest development he changed his mind and became a supporter"; "in chess your should take care of your development before moving your queen" reformation - improvement (or an intended improvement) in the existing form or condition of institutions or practices etc.; intended to make a striking change for the better in social or political or religious affairs refurbishment, renovation, restoration - the state of being restored to its former good condition; "the inn was a renovation of a Colonial house"
	3.	melioration - the linguistic process in which over a period of time a word grows more positive in connotation or more elevated in meaning drift - a process of linguistic change over a period of time