verb

precipitate

prih-SIH-pih-tayt

Precipitate (verb) means to cause something to happen suddenly, often before it is ready to. Example: “The scandal precipitated his resignation within days.”

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verb

To cause something to happen suddenly, often before it is ready to.

"The scandal precipitated his resignation within days."

"A single bad harvest precipitated the famine that followed."

(chemistry) To separate out of a solution as a solid.

"Adding the reagent caused the salt to precipitate out of the solution."

adjective

Acting with reckless haste; hasty or rash.

"He regretted the precipitate decision to quit without another job lined up."

How to use precipitate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo trigger something suddenly (verb), or to describe an action taken too hastily (adjective) — plus a specific chemistry meaning for a solid forming out of a liquid.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "precipitous" (steep) or "precipitation" (rainfall) — related words, different jobs.

Easily confused with

precipitous → precipitation →

Common pairings

precipitate a crisis precipitate out a precipitate decision

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Singular: precipitates
Plural: precipitates
Past tense: precipitated
Comparative: more precipitate
Superlative: most precipitate

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The scandal _____ his resignation within days.

Etymology

From Latin praecipitare, \"to throw headlong,\" from praeceps, \"headfirst\" — the same root as precipice.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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headlong

Related words

headlong rashly headfirst

Rhymes for precipitate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

See all rhymes for precipitate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “precipitate” mean?

The word “precipitate” means to cause something to happen suddenly, often before it is ready to. In plain terms, to trigger something suddenly (verb), or to describe an action taken too hastily (adjective) — plus a specific chemistry meaning for a solid forming out of a liquid.

How do you pronounce “precipitate”?

“Precipitate” is pronounced prih-SIH-pih-tayt (/pɹɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “precipitate” in a sentence?

Here is “precipitate” used in a sentence: “The scandal precipitated his resignation within days.”

What is another word for “precipitate”?

Words with a similar meaning to “precipitate” include headlong.

What part of speech is “precipitate”?

Depending on how it is used, “precipitate” can be a verb and an adjective.

Where does the word “precipitate” come from?

The word “precipitate” comes from Latin. From Latin praecipitare, \"to throw headlong,\" from praeceps, \"headfirst\" — the same root as precipice.

How many meanings does “precipitate” have?

“Precipitate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cause something to happen suddenly, often before it is ready to.

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