facilitate
fuh-SIH-lih-tayt
Facilitate (verb) means to make a process easier or help it happen more smoothly. Example: “A wider pavement would facilitate access for people using wheelchairs and pushchairs.”
verb
1
To make a process easier or help it happen more smoothly.
"A wider pavement would facilitate access for people using wheelchairs and pushchairs."
"The new software facilitates communication between departments."
"A translator was brought in to facilitate the negotiations."
2
To lead or guide a meeting, workshop, or discussion without taking a side.
"Our manager will facilitate tomorrow's workshop, making sure everyone gets a chance to speak."
"I have never facilitated a meeting before, so I feel a little nervous."
"She was asked to facilitate the panel discussion."
How to use facilitate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something easier to happen, or to guide a group discussion neutrally.
Common pairings
facilitate discussion
facilitate the process
facilitate a workshop
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- facilitates
- Past tense
- facilitated
Fill the gap
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A wider pavement would _____ access for people using wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Etymology
From French faciliter, ultimately from Latin facilis, "easy."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for facilitate
See all rhymes for facilitate →Frequently asked questions
What does “facilitate” mean?
The word “facilitate” means to make a process easier or help it happen more smoothly. In plain terms, to make something easier to happen, or to guide a group discussion neutrally.
How do you pronounce “facilitate”?
“Facilitate” is pronounced fuh-SIH-lih-tayt (/fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “facilitate” in a sentence?
Here is “facilitate” used in a sentence: “The new software facilitates communication between departments.”
What part of speech is “facilitate”?
“Facilitate” is a verb.
Where does the word “facilitate” come from?
The word “facilitate” comes from Latin. From French faciliter, ultimately from Latin facilis, "easy.".
Is “facilitate” a common word?
“Facilitate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “facilitate” have?
“Facilitate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a process easier or help it happen more smoothly.
What is the difference between facilitate and help?
Both involve assisting, but 'facilitate' specifically means to make a process easier or smoother, often by improving the conditions rather than doing the task directly. 'Help' is broader and can mean actually doing part of the work yourself.
What is the difference between facilitate and moderate?
When leading a discussion, a facilitator guides the process and helps participants contribute their ideas, while a moderator focuses more on keeping order and enforcing rules. Facilitation emphasizes drawing people out; moderation emphasizes control.
Is facilitate a formal word?
Yes, 'facilitate' is fairly formal and common in business, academic, and professional writing. In casual conversation, phrases like 'make easier', 'help along', or 'smooth the way' often sound more natural.
What nouns commonly follow facilitate?
'Facilitate' frequently pairs with words like 'discussion', 'learning', 'communication', 'access', 'growth', and 'process', as in 'facilitate learning' or 'facilitate communication'. These collocations are common in workplace and educational contexts.
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