Overview
This episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day (August 3rd, 2026) focuses on the verb mitigate. The goal is to explain the meaning, proper usage, and etymology of “mitigate,” distinguish it from the similar-sounding “militate,” and provide memorable examples and historical context for both words.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Definition and Usage
- Mitigate means “to make less severe, harmful, or painful.”
- Usage Example: "The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to mitigate blackouts in the Carolinas as the region prepares for a period of hot weather coming up." [00:41]
- The host explains: “The meaning of mitigate is straightforward enough: to make something such as a problem, symptom, or punishment less harsh or severe.” [00:53]
Mitigate vs. Militate
- The episode highlights confusion around mitigate and the similar-looking verb militate.
- Mitigate is often used incorrectly where militate might be expected.
- Militate (usually followed by “against”) means “to have weight or effect.”
- Example: “Your unexcused absences are likely to militate against your getting a promotion.” [01:07]
Etymology and Historical Note
- The host provides the origins of both terms:
- “Mitigate comes from the Latin verb mitigare, meaning to soften, whereas militate traces to militare, meaning to engage in warfare.” [01:18]
- Despite their unrelated roots, confusion has persisted long enough for some language experts to accept “mitigate against” as an idiomatic alternative to “militate against.” [01:32]
Literary Example
- William Faulkner himself used “mitigate” in place of “militate” in the 1932 story Centaur in Brass:
- Quote: “It’s as though there were some intangible and invisible social force that mitigates against him.” [01:37]
- Host’s caution: “But unless you’re Faulkner, it’s best to keep mitigate and militate distinct.” [01:44]
Closing Reminder
- The host signs off with a reminder to maintain proper usage and to enjoy learning about words. [01:47]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Mitigate is a verb. To mitigate something is to make it less severe, harmful, or painful.” — Peter Sokolowski [00:15]
- “Sometimes, however, mitigate appears where the similar-looking militate is expected. That word, which is often followed by against, means to have weight or effect.” — Peter Sokolowski [01:02]
- “Mitigate comes from the Latin verb mitigare, meaning to soften, whereas militate traces to militare, meaning to engage in warfare.” — Peter Sokolowski [01:18]
- “But unless you’re Faulkner, it’s best to keep mitigate and militate distinct.” — Peter Sokolowski [01:44]
Important Timestamps
- 00:15 — Definition of “mitigate” and spelling
- 00:41 — Example sentence illustrating “mitigate”
- 01:02 — Explanation of confusion with “militate”
- 01:18 — Origins and etymology of both terms
- 01:37 — Faulkner’s literary usage
- 01:44 — Advisory to distinguish between the two words
Tone & Style
The tone throughout the episode is clear, educational, and slightly playful — encouraging curiosity about language while offering practical advice for precise usage.
This summary captures the essential knowledge and guidance provided in the episode, making it easy for anyone to understand the meaning of “mitigate,” avoid common pitfalls, and appreciate the rich history of the word.
