precipitate
Precipitate (verb) means to cause something to happen suddenly, often before it is ready to. Example: “The scandal precipitated his resignation within days.”
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.
Don't confuse with "precipitous" (steep) or "precipitation" (rainfall) — related words, different jobs.
Word forms
more precipitate comparative, precipitated past tense, precipitates plural, precipitates singular, most precipitate superlative
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
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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.