Agency Dictionary

mitigate

verbPronunciation: /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/

In Portuguese: mitigar

Climate & Sustainability

What does “mitigate” mean?

To make less severe, harmful, intense, or painful in degree.

Etymology

From Latin mitigatus, the past participle of mitigare (to make gentle or ripe, to soften, to pacify), built from mitis (gentle, mild, ripe) and the root of agere (to do, to drive). The deeper origin of mitis is uncertain, possibly from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning mild or soft. The word entered Middle English in the 15th century with the senses of relieving pain and calming anger.

Synonyms

alleviate
lessen
soften
reduce
ease

Often confused with

militate: To militate (against) means to work against something or be a strong factor opposing it; to mitigate means to lessen or soften. They are often confused despite different Latin roots.

Word family

mitigation
mitigating
unmitigated

Usage examples

Technology companies that build software can’t mitigate their emission of carbon in their supply chains.

Concepts

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.11 - A Catalyst for EconomyApril 6, 2023Read the edition

Words of the same theme

Decompositionnoun: The natural biological or chemical process of decay, breakdown, or disintegration into constituent elements.
Pollinationnoun: The transfer of pollen grains from the male anther to the female stigma of a flower, enabling fertilization and seed production.
Regenerativeadjective: Relating to or capable of renewing, restoring, or reforming biological vitality and structural equilibrium.
biodegradableadjective: Capable of being decomposed and broken down harmlessly into natural organic matter by microorganisms.
Biomenoun: A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat defined by climate and soil.
Combustionnoun: The chemical process of burning, producing heat, light, and mechanical energy. In literary metaphors, it evokes furious velocity, explosive energy, and rapid expenditure of power.
Hectarenoun: A metric unit of surface area equal to ten thousand square meters or roughly 2.471 acres.
Rechargeableadjective: Capable of having its electrical chemical energy replenished repeatedly by passing an electric current through the cell in the reverse direction of its normal discharge cycle.
Regenerationnoun: The renewal, restoration, or revival of a biological organism, ecosystem, or cultural structure after decline or damage.

Also from these editions: terms

syntheticadjective: Produced by artificial or chemical synthesis rather than originating from natural or organic processes.
brokeragenoun: The business, activity, or fee of a licensed broker who facilitates commercial transactions between buyers and sellers.
catalystnoun: A substance or factor that accelerates a chemical reaction or stimulates widespread systemic change without being consumed.
deforestationnoun: The purposeful permanent clearing of forested land for timber, agriculture, grazing, or urban infrastructure.
fiat currencynoun: Government-issued legal tender not backed by a physical commodity such as gold or silver.
hydrocarbonnoun: An organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon, commonly found in petroleum, natural gas, and coal.
intangibleadjective: Incapable of being perceived by touch or physical senses, yet possessing recognizable economic or conceptual worth.
organicadjective: Relating to or derived from living organisms, biological matter, or systematically integrated natural systems.
reverberateverb: To echo repeatedly through space, or to continue having widespread ripple effects over time.
supply chainnoun: The complete sequence of processes, entities, and facilities involved in producing and distributing a commodity.
surplusnoun: An amount of an asset, commodity, or resource that exceeds what is strictly utilized or demanded.