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militateto have a strong influence against something; to make something less likely to happen or succeed

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to have a strong influence against something; to make something less likely to happen or succeed

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɪlɪteɪt/

Example Sentences

  • His habit of arriving late to meetings militates against his chances of becoming team leader.
  • The rainy weather militates against our picnic plans, but pizza delivery militates in favor of a cozy movie night!
  • High inflation rates militate against consumer spending.

militate

VERB

[/ˈmɪlɪteɪt/]

to have a strong influence against something; to make something less likely to happen or succeed

militate — to have a strong influence against something; to make something less likely to happen or succeed (concept illustration)
💡 Concept

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈmɪlɪteɪt/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈmɪlɪteɪt/

🌳Etymology

Rootmilit
Suffix--ate

Origin

From Latin militatus, meaning 'to serve as a soldier.' The word evolved from its military sense of 'fighting' to mean 'working against' or 'being unfavorable to.'

Breakdown

milit- (soldier, warfare) + -ate (verb suffix meaning 'to do' or 'to act')

🎵Rhyme

meditateimitatefacilitate
meditate
imitate
facilitate

🔗Collocations

militate against
factors militate
circumstances militate
strongly militate
militate in favor of

📝Examples

His habit of arriving late to meetings militates against his chances of becoming team leader.

😄 Fun example

The rainy weather militates against our picnic plans, but pizza delivery militates in favor of a cozy movie night!

High inflation rates militate against consumer spending.

😄 Fun example

My cat's loud purring militates against my attempts to have serious phone conversations.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

hinderimpedeobstructopposework against

Antonyms

facilitatepromotesupport

Related

militarymilitantmilitiacombat

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