mitigate
UK[ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt]US[ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt]
v
To make something less severe, harmful, or painful.
Morpheme Breakdown
mitig
ate
mitig
soft
ate
verb suffix
Etymology
The word "mitigate" originates from the Latin verb mitigare, meaning "to soften, make mild, or tame." This verb itself is built from the adjective mitis (soft, gentle) combined with the verbal suffix -igare, related to agere (to do, drive). The literal sense of "making soft" evolved logically into the modern abstract meaning of making harsh conditions, feelings, or punishments less severe. It entered English in the late Middle English period, retaining its core logic of applying a softening or alleviating influence to something burdensome.
Analysis
Structure: mitig (soft) + ate (verb suffix)
- mitig: From Latin mitigare, from mitis (soft, mild, gentle). This root conveys the core sense of softening.
- ate: A verb-forming suffix of Latin origin, indicating to make, act, or become.
Examples
Planting trees can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
The judge mitigated the sentence due to the defendant's cooperation.
This medicine should mitigate the worst of your symptoms.