Facilitate

Definition

Facilitate means to make an action or process easy or easier.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fəˈsɪlɪˌteɪt/
• Respelling: fuh-SIL-uh-tayt (with "fuh" as in "sofa," "SIL" as in "sill," "uh" as in "sofa," and "tayt" as in "late")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/
• Respelling: fuh-SIL-uh-tayt (with "fuh" as in "sofa," "SIL" as in "sill," "uh" as in "sofa," and "tayt" as in "late")

In both dialects, "facilitate" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "SIL." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "fuh-SIL-uh-tayt."

Etymology

The word "facilitate" originates from the Latin word facilis, meaning "easy," which itself comes from facere, meaning "to do" or "to make." The verb facilitare in Late Latin meant "to make easier." The term was adopted into Middle French as faciliter, and it entered the English language in the early 17th century.

Derivatives

• Facilitation (noun)
• Facilitator (noun)
• Facilitated (verb, past tense)
• Facilitating (verb, present participle)
• Facilitative (adjective)

Synonyms

• Simplify
• Enable
• Assist

Antonyms

• Complicate
• Hinder
• Obstruct

Usage

"Facilitate" is commonly used in professional, educational, and organizational contexts to describe the process of making tasks or activities easier or more efficient. It is also often used in discussions about leadership, management, and project coordination.

Related Terms

• Ease: The absence of difficulty or effort.
• Assistance: The provision of money, resources, or information to help someone.
• Simplification: The process of making something simpler or easier to do or understand.

Detailed Definition

Verb

• To Assist or Enable: Refers to the act of making a process, task, or activity easier or more achievable, often by providing support, resources, or guidance.
  • Example: The new software was designed to facilitate communication between team members.

• To Aid in the Progress of: Describes the act of helping something to happen or continue without unnecessary delays or obstacles.
  • Example: The mediator was brought in to facilitate discussions between the two parties.

• To Enable or Foster: In some contexts, it refers to creating conditions that allow or encourage something to occur.
  • Example: The grant will facilitate research into renewable energy technologies.

• To Smooth the Path for: Implies the removal of barriers or difficulties to make an action or process smoother.
  • Example: The teacher's role is to facilitate learning by providing resources and guidance.