mitigate
[ mit-i-geyt ]
/ ˈmɪt ɪˌgeɪt /
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verb (used with object), mit·i·gat·ed, mit·i·gat·ing.
verb (used without object), mit·i·gat·ed, mit·i·gat·ing.
to become milder; lessen in severity.
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Origin of mitigate
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English mitigaten, from Latin mītigātus (past participle of mītigāre “to calm, soften, soothe”), equivalent to mīt(is) “mild, soft, gentle” + -ig- (combining form of agere “to do, cause to do, make”) + -ātus verb suffix; see -ate1
words often confused with mitigate
Mitigate, whose central meaning is “to lessen” or “to make less severe,” is sometimes confused with militate, which means “to have effect or influence; weigh on.” This mix-up often occurs in the use of the phrase mitigate against, as follows: This criticism in no way mitigates (read militates ) against your going ahead with your research. Although this use of mitigate occasionally occurs in edited writing, it is rare and is widely regarded as an error.
OTHER WORDS FROM mitigate
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH mitigate
militate, mitigate (see confusables note at the current entry)Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use mitigate in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for mitigate
mitigate
/ (ˈmɪtɪˌɡeɪt) /
verb
to make or become less severe or harsh; moderate
Derived forms of mitigate
mitigable (ˈmɪtɪɡəbəl), adjectivemitigation, nounmitigative or mitigatory, adjectivemitigator, nounWord Origin for mitigate
C15: from Latin mītigāre, from mītis mild + agere to make
usage for mitigate
Mitigate is sometimes wrongly used where militate is meant: his behaviour militates (not mitigates) against his chances of promotion
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for mitigate
mitigate
[ mĭt′ĭ-gāt′ ]
v.
To moderate in force or intensity.
Other words from mitigate
mit′i•ga′tion n.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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