In this article, we’ll explore the meaning and origin of the word mitigate. We’ll also look at how the word has been used throughout history and in different contexts.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what ‘mitigate‘ means, and you’ll be able to use it in your own written and spoken communication.
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What is the dictionary definition of the word Mitigate?
The dictionary definition of the word Mitigate is “to make less severe or intense; to moderate.”
The word mitigate is pronounced as “mi · tuh · gayt.”
When you think about the word Mitigate, it’s easy to see how it can have this meaning. For example, if you’re feeling sick, you might take medication to help Mitigate your symptoms and make you feel better.
Similarly, if something is causing you stress, you might try to take steps to Mitigate that stress by doing something calming or relaxing. In both cases, you’re taking steps to make the situation less severe or intense.
This meaning of the word can also be seen in legal contexts. For example, a judge might decide to Mitigate a sentence if the person committing the crime has shown remorse or is otherwise unlikely to repeat the offense.
The word Mitigate can also be used more generally to mean “to make less severe.” So you might hear someone say that they’re trying to Mitigate the damage caused by a natural disaster, for example.
In short, the dictionary definition of the word Mitigate is “to make less severe or intense.”
What is the origin of the word Mitigate?
The word ‘mitigate‘ is derived from the Latin word ‘mitigare‘.
This comes from two Latin words, ‘mitis‘, meaning ‘gentle‘, and ‘ager‘, meaning ‘field, earth, land‘. So, literally, to mitigate something is to make it gentle or less severe.
In English, the word has been used in a legal sense since the 1500s and in a medical sense since the 1700s. However, its most common use today is as a verb meaning to make something less severe or harmful.
How has the word Mitigate been used throughout history?
The word Mitigate has been used throughout history in a variety of ways. In general, it can be defined as the act of making something less severe or harmful.
For example, in the legal field, the term is often used in the context of criminal law. When a person is convicted of a crime, the court may decide to reduce the sentence in order to mitigate the impact of the conviction.
In medicine, mitigation can refer to attempts to prevent an illness or injury from becoming worse. For example, if someone has been exposed to a virus, doctors may give them medication to help mitigate the effects of the virus.
Lastly, mitigation can also be used in environmental contexts. For example, when a company is fined for polluting the environment, it may be possible for them to mitigate the penalty by paying damages and implementing corrective measures.
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How is the word Mitigate used in literature?
The word Mitigate can be found in a variety of literature genres, from nonfiction to fiction to poetry. In nonfiction, it can be used as a verb to describe the act of making a situation less severe or harmful. For example, “the firefighters worked to mitigate the damage caused by the blaze.”
In fiction, the word is often used to describe characters or events that lessen the impact of another character or event. For example, “the protagonist’s mother was a force that mitigated the tragedy of his childhood.”
In poetry, the word is often used in a more abstract way to describe how one thing impacts another. For example, “the stars mitigate the darkness.”
How can the word Mitigate be used in everyday conversation?
Mitigate can be used in everyday conversation in a few different ways. Firstly, it can be used to mean “to make less severe” or “to lessen the impact of.” For example, if you got into a car accident, you could say that the accident had been mitigated by the fact that you were wearing a seatbelt.
Secondly, it can be used to mean “to moderate or soften.” For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by a situation, you could say that you need to find a way to mitigate your feelings. Finally, it can be used to mean “to avoid or reduce the risk of.” For example, you could mitigated your chances of getting sick by washing your hands regularly.
What are some synonyms and antonyms for the word Mitigate?
Mitigate has a few different definitions, but they all have one thing in common: reducing the severity or impact of something.
Synonyms for the word Mitigate can include: lessen, reduce, diminish, and soften.
Antonyms for the word Mitigate can include: intensify, aggravate, and worsen.
You can check etymology of the word mitigate here.
Conclusion
The word ‘mitigate‘ has been used throughout history to mean “to make less severe or intense; to moderate or lessen,” and is derived from the Latin word ‘mitigare,’ meaning “to make mild.” In everyday conversation, the word can be used in place of words such as ‘lessen,’ ‘moderate,’ and ‘alleviate,’ and is often paired with words such as ‘effects,’ ‘damage,’ and ‘harm.’ Synonyms for the word ‘mitigate’ include words such as ‘ameliorate,’ ‘ palliate,’ and ‘diminish.’
