Definition
Mitigate refers to the act of lessening the severity, intensity, or impact of something, typically a problem, crisis, or negative situation. It involves taking steps to reduce or alleviate the negative effects of a situation, often through proactive measures.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb
Synonyms
alleviate, reduce, lessen, temper, ease, moderate, relieve, abate, mollify, palliate, assuage, soften, ameliorate
Antonyms
aggravate, exacerbate, worsen, intensify
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | mitigation, mitigations |
| Verb | mitigating, mitigates, mitigated, mitigate |
| Adjective | mitigative, mitigable, mitigatory |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The government implemented measures to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis, including stimulus packages, job creation programs, and financial assistance for struggling businesses.
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The construction company took steps to mitigate the environmental impact of their project by using eco-friendly materials, implementing sustainable practices, and restoring natural habitats in the area.
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The doctor prescribed medication and advised lifestyle changes to mitigate the patient’s chronic pain, aiming to reduce its severity and improve their quality of life.
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The organization conducted training sessions to educate employees on cybersecurity best practices, aiming to mitigate the risk of data breaches and protect sensitive information.
Usage
Mitigate is a term that is often used in the context of problem-solving, crisis management, and risk reduction. It involves taking proactive measures to lessen the impact of a negative situation, rather than simply reacting to it after the fact. The word comes from the Latin root “mitigare,” which means “to make mild or gentle.”
There are several variations of the word mitigate, including mitigating (adjective) and mitigation (noun). Mitigating is often used to describe factors or circumstances that lessen the severity or impact of a situation, while mitigation refers to the act or process of mitigating.
The prefix “mit-” is derived from the Latin word “mītis,” meaning “soft or mild,” and is often used in words that convey the sense of softening, lessening, or reducing. The suffix “-ate” is often used to form verbs, indicating the act of performing or carrying out the action of the root word. Therefore, mitigate literally means “to make less severe or intense.”
Overall, mitigate is a term that connotes a sense of proactive and intentional action to reduce the negative effects of a situation. Its various forms and variations can help to provide a more nuanced understanding of its meaning and usage in different contexts.