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.”
verb
1
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."
2
(chemistry) To separate out of a solution as a solid.
"Adding the reagent caused the salt to precipitate out of the solution."
adjective
1
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 notesIn 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
Common pairings
precipitate a crisis
precipitate out
a precipitate decision
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Word forms
- Plural
- precipitates
- Third person singular
- precipitates
- Past tense
- precipitated
- Comparative
- more precipitate
- Superlative
- most precipitate
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for precipitate
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.
